Someone in the county office decided that this constituted further misconduct, fined him and suspended him for 42 days.  I was flabbergasted, surely this happens all the time.  You hardly ever see a referee on the TV ask a player for his name, they just note his number.  I was told this is an FA rule.
At the subsequent hearing the player, as usual, hanged himself, but the team manager asked "if a player refuses to give his name, isn't that a sending off offence".  This completely threw the panel, they waffled a bit then decided to go for it and agreed that it was a sending off offence, "that's why the player was suspended" they agreed.   I nearly choked, excuse me I said, I was waved down.  Then one of the panel said "OK the referee made a mistake and should have sent him off".

Now this raises various questions and my blood pressure.  Try as I might I cannot find anything in law that says if a player refuses to give his name the referee must send him off.  Am I missing something or were the panel talking out of their proverbial.  And to suggest that I had made a mistake, no, not suggest but actually say  it,  I found exasperating to say the least.  Here we have three senior members and two club officials not only talking nonsense but making it up as they go.  The only way the player could be sent off is if I had considered his action to be further dissent for which he would receive a second yellow card, refusal to give a name in itself surely is no offence at all, especially if the referee has team sheets.

Every one except the player and me seemed to be happy with that and he was duly suspended for the full 42 days and lost his deposit.

I know that once I've done my job the rest is up to Surrey FA to sort out, but sometimes you do have to wonder.

Dave Churchley

R.A. Delegates Report

Last meeting was held Monday 27th March 2000, with both my dad (Peter) and me in attendance. The following points are of importance to society members:

1) Pitch safety - PORTABLE GOALS. It was brought to the attention of the
meeting that 2 grounds in the area (Prince Georges Playing Fields, Raynes
Park & London Fire Brigade Ground, Priest Hill) both use these forms of
goals.  Colleagues are reminded to ensure that they are securely staked into
the ground (using stakes at least 18 inches long). IF THEY ARE NOT SECURED,
YOUR FIXTURE SHOULD NOT BE PLAYED. Please ensure that this is attended to in the interests of player safety.

2) A reminder that Surrey County require two copies of all reports, not one.

3) All referees should have received their registration forms for next season.  Please ensure you return them before the deadline. You will receive your card etc for next season once the law amendment booklets are available.
In the meantime, if you require your county receipt number for league
registration forms they are available from county office, please phone them.

4) A question was raised as to why the National RA does nothing in response
to criticism of referees in the media. This complaint has now been passed to
the National Headquarters and we await their response.

5) Our recommendation for an increased fee at Disciplinary Commissions has
gained some support but is currently 'under review'. General feeling was
that an increase was likely but not yet up to one full match fee.

6) The suggestion of free registration for referees under 16 and over 65 was
also rejected. A proposal of a 'loyalty' registration was made, with referees who have registered for over 35 years being given free registration!!

7) This years County RA 6-a-sides are to be held on Sunday 21st May, once
again at Fetcham Park United, beginning at 2pm.

8) The problem of getting younger members to attend meetings was also
brought up. Possible solutions were aired as (i) a mentor scheme- rather popular in the societies which currently run one, and (ii) assistance in transporting younger members without their own transport to and from society meetings.

Anthony Moore.