Our recent Jersey Football Referees Association (JFRA) monthly meeting saw RA board member and head of Welfare, Representation & Partnerships Lee Markwick attend to deliver his ‘Looking after our Officials’ presentation. Lee visited the Island from his home County of Essex the Saturday morning and refereed a Premiership game (Rozel Rovers vs St Clement) on Saturday afternoon along with JFRA Secretary Luke Nerac and Jersey FA CEO Jean-Luc Desbois as Assistants. An enjoyable but eventful game which finished 2-1 to St Clement (coming from 1-0 behind) and a red card.

On Monday night Lee attended the JFRA monthly meeting. The evening consisted of a condensed agenda of ordinary business and Lee’s presentation which also included his tips as an FA Qualified Referee Tutor on de-escalating situations during games especially when conducting the caution and dismissal procedure. The meeting was attended by many of our members and Jersey’s FA CEO  Jean-Luc Desbois. The evening was enjoyed by all those who attended and we wish to thank Lee for making the effort to travel to the Island to be with us.

Lee’s presentation gave us all an insight into the Mental Health and Welfare work being done by the National RA which was timely because during the ordinary meeting, the subject of first aid at games was discussed which included whether referees should be first aid trained. It was felt whilst it shouldn’t be compulsory for referees to do the first aid course it would be an invaluable skill should emergency aid be required as we know many clubs don’t have a qualified physio/first aider on hand in an emergency. The Jersey FA CEO Jean-Luc Desbois kindly offered to provide The FA first aid training for free to any referee who wishes to take up the offer. This offer I’m glad to say has been taken up by many of our members and will be a valuable asset to the league clubs of Jersey.

Jean-Luc Desbois, said “It was great to welcome Lee over to Jersey and have the opportunity to work with him on a Premiership match. The Monday presentation was informative and Lee provided some excellent advice on de-escalation techniques. Having visitors of Lee’s calibre and standing is important to support refereeing in Jersey” 

 The JFRA President, Paul Daniel, added “Lee's visit and presentation were a timely reminder that referees' welfare and mental health, collectively and individually, is an important modern issue and that local referees have, via the JFA's RDO and our own JFRA, Welfare Officer we have in place, but most importantly we have a mainland RA contact (Lee himself!!) who can quickly respond and provide essential advice and assistance when needed. For someone who's been around as long as I have the inclusion of ' the de-escalating of confrontational situations' in a basic training course in a way saddens me, but yet again it's a sign of the times, and the game and the course have to evolve and adapt accordingly. I've been concerned for some time at the standard of physio and first-aid cover at most local games and was delighted that our CEO offered this qualification to our referees. However, Jersey football must never, ever reach a point where a player's physical welfare depends solely on the presence of a referee.” 

Lee got in contact with us last year to offer the JFRA some invaluable help and support following some local issues that made the National news. This led to myself and Richard Dyer (Committee member) attending the RA Development Weekend. Whilst there Hayley Jarvis from Mind gave a presentation on looking after your Mental Health which was very informative, and went hand in hand with the RA role that Lee provides.