News Items below. Items will be added when they are emailed to the secretary.

Latest News

Important News and Links

General News Items

Changes to The football regulations regarding Club Referee's, article 22


IFA football regulations (article 22)

IFA update for 8th June 2020

MEASURES WILL BE INTRODUCED ON 8 JUNE


Full article on IFA web site.

PLEASE READ....


Colleagues

First of all I hope you and your families are all keeping safe and are keeping well.

As you may have read in the media recently, there are some leagues who have applied for an extension to the season 19/20. This has been granted by the IFA and the dates now extend to 31st July 2020.

To date, no other information is available regarding start dates for leagues or of the plans to restart matches.

Your safety and that of your family are paramount and to that end, should you wish not to officiate in the near future, we will steadfastly support you in that.

If you are a referee who would officiate in the competitions who have applied for an extension (NIFL, Co Antrim FA & Ballymena Saturday Morning League) and have concerns about returning to match duty, please advise your NIRA representative or Divisional Secretary. We can then bring your concerns to the organising body and seek solutions. There may be some concerns regarding travel arrangements with colleagues and we will be working with the leagues to try and address this issue when the need arises.

We have received assurances from NIFL that once initial plans are made for the return of matches, the NIRA will be advised immediately of the safety precautions being undertaken to protect our members.

Those who are keen to return to officiating for those remaining matches, please keep up your regular training, but stay within the guidelines regarding social distancing. Also be aware of the fact that muscles are more susceptible to tears and strains following periods of inactivity, so ensure your warm ups, stretches and warm downs are carried out in a proper manner.

Finally, these are testing times for us all and this can have a major impact on our mental health, so please, if you are finding things tough, speak up. There are many of our colleagues who would be very willing to listen and help out where possible.

There are many support platforms available within the IFA and we are in dialogue with NIFL regarding their mental health strategy.

Please continue to stay safe and stay within the guidelines.

You are all in my thoughts.

Kindest regards

Paul Larkin

Chairman

Northern Ireland Referees Association

Master class Presentations By UEFA


Some great presentations from UEFA to Our members.

Download 1


Masterclass Presentation -Challenges - May 2020.ppsx

Download 2


Masterclass Presentation - Handball - May 2020.ppsx

Download 3


Masterclass presentation - Management & Simulation - May 2020.ppsx




Keep training stay safe and please follow the government's advice. .


#wewillbeback


E-mail:     secretaryofneura@gmail.com


NEURA NEURA .


The world Covid 19 pandemic


Meetings Firstly all further NEURA activity, training meetings and the like are suspended until further notice. This includes our April meeting and our AGM in May.

Benevolent Fund

The committee is acutely aware of the issues facing society in general at present in relation to the world Covid 19 pandemic

One of our core objectives is to maintain a Benevolent Fund.

The Committee has decided in the current circumstances to release funds from the Benevolent to help members who may be in financial difficulty at present.

We therefore invite any member who wishes to be considered for this to write to both myself and the treasurer (in the strictest of confidence) setting out their issues.

neura.treasurer@gmail.com secretaryofneura@gmail.com

An infinite pot of money is not available as you may imagine but we hope to help members out who need it in some way.

All cases will be considered on merit and the decision of committee will be final.



Keep training stay safe and please follow the government's advice. .


#wewillbeback


Neill Gillespie

E-mail:     secretaryofneura@gmail.com


NEURA NEURA .


NIRA Statement


With regard to the Coronaviras outbreak, the Northern Ireland Referees Association would like to remind all of our members that the decision to officiate matches at present is a matter of personal choice.

The committee fully understands the additional strain these decisions are placing on our members private and professional lives. The Northern Ireland Referees Association will not allow any form of sanction to be imposed on any of our members who put the wellbeing of themselves or their families before a game of football.



With that in mind we will fully support all of our members in whatever decision they come to. We would ask that any members not willing to officiate this weekend or going forward that they inform the relevant fixtures Secretary as soon as possible.


Neil McNickle NIRA SECRETARY


Our instructor for the evening is Premier League & FIFA Assistant Referee Paul Robinson.


The topic for the evening is Teamwork.

NI Hospice will be in attendance at the start of the meeting to carry out a cheque presentation for the money raised by members from our 50th Anniversary dinner.



Training is available as normal outside on the grass starting at 18:15.


Hope to see you there.


Chairman's Report 2018/2019 Season


Chairman's Report – 2018/19

Dear Members,
As the 2018 / 2019 season draws to another exciting conclusion it brings time for me to reflect on the past 12th months, and what the future holds.
The Committee have been instrumental in putting the appropriate structures in place to support our continued commitment and vision of education to our members at all levels.
On a personal level it remains extremely satisfying that our association continues to attract Elite Guests such as David Ellery and Milord Mazic, all of whom have shown our members a first had insight into the challenges of the modern day game. The Association remains well placed to continue this trend in the coming years whilst continuing to apply education under the guidance and support of The Irish Football Association.
One trend that continues to causes me significant concern is the large number of officials who fail to attend the monthly education provided at CYMS. I would ask for those that continually remain absent from meetings two questions.
1. What education are you receiving?
2. What Edition of the Laws of the Game are you taking your knowledge from?
I feel it's important to be clear that I do not wish to be considered for re election as Chairman of NEURA. I have enjoyed my time in what can only be considered a very privileged position however the time has come for change.
I am confident that the Association is going in the right direction and I am pleased that the relationship with CAFA remains as strong as ever, however after two years a new voice is required to aide the continuous improvement of NEURA.
Special thanks to the unsung hero's in John McKnight, Neil Gillespie, Lawrence Black for their commitment and work behind the seasons throughout the past two years.
Yours in sport

Keith.
Chairmans Report – 2018/19 Click here for Chairmans 's Report – 2018/19 .

Secretary's Report 2018/2019 Season


Secretary's Report – 2018/19 As another season closes, I reflect on the association's achievements. One of the core objectives of the association is to improve the standard of refereeing in our association. There are a core number of members who engage month on month with the association and it is that core who see the benefit of what we provide. If you are not one of these core people I then ask you to reflect making no apology for repeating a year on year message. Refereeing continues to change. Are you moving at the same pace as this change or are you stagnating? How do you physically and tactically prepare for you game each week? How do you maintain and improve your knowledge of the laws of the game and your fitness? Do you understand how a game should be managed? Do you portray yourself as a proficient and professional match official? Are you giving anything back or is your experience going to be lost to those who need it? If you do not attend our meetings how are you developing? From where and whom are you taking your advice? NEURA is Fifty The North East Ulster Referees Association was founded on 22 August 1969 with the amalgamation of the Ulster Referees Association and the North East Referees Association. Whilst the latter organizations have a far longer history this is a notable milestone. Preparations are well underway to celebrate the associations golden anniversary. More details will be released as they become firm. Development Group NEURA launched its development group early in the season. I thank Andrew Neeson for his time and effort in leading the group. I also thank the Talents and Mentors who took part in the group. Colleagues from Premier league to Junior have engaged to see successful graduation of many Talents and Mentors to the National Development group. Congratulations to all who made it through to the National Group and thanks again to all the volunteer Mentors. Most of the national and county finals reflect panels with strong engagements on both groups which is no coincidence. Training I remind all officials that we are here to provide for you all. We continue to provide training each Wednesday on the track at Ballysillian. The camaraderie is fantastic, and I thank Michael McLaughlin for his time in taking the sessions. I genuinely wish that all officials in the association could attend and experience the benefit of this. Numbers at training at our meetings have increased this season. Two sessions a month now take place. I thank Trevor Moutry at the Irish Football Association providing a dedicated fitness coach to take these sessions and encourage all to attend. Registrations We have improved the digital payment method for your registration fees this season details will be in the North East Review. This is now the only way you can register and pay your fees. I remind you that your fees will rise in line with your grade this season as decided at last year's AGM. Please register by the 31st May to avoid the £10 late payment fee. Thankyou In closing I thank all the people who have given up their time to help in all the activities mentioned above over this season. All the people who volunteer their time. Thanks to the NEURA committee. It is no secret that our Chair Keith Kennedy is stepping down this season. I want to thank Keith for his help over the last two seasons and for volunteering his time to the association. Keith has been instrumental in attracting the high-profile guests to our meetings. That means we will have a new chair for the incoming season. Use your vote carefully at the AGM have a great break and return refreshed for a new season! Yours in sport Neill Gillespie.
Secretary's Report – 2018/19 Click here for Secretary's Report – 2018/19 .

Pod casts and intersting Items

Pod cast by Darryl Emslie


Hi all, hope you are all well.. yesterday I made my podcast debut and gave a wee in site to what it can be like at our level of football and struggle with mental health while going through a bad patch in our refereeing career. This is the podcast, have a wee listen and if you have anything feedback then let's hear ya always wanting to learn from you all. >

More podcast to to be added shortly

Pod cast by Darryl Emslie Link to Pod cast by Darryl Emslie .




NEURA .


E-mail:     any issues please e-mail NUREA Treasurer



Keep training stay safe and please follow the government's advice. .


#wewillbeback


Pod cast by Eamon Hughes


BDFL referee Eamonn Flamer Hughes, talks about Covid and his recovery and Also other issues within Local football. >

Pod cast by Eamonn Flamer Hughes Link to Pod cast by Eamon Hughes.




NEURA .


E-mail:     any issues please e-mail NUREA Treasurer



Keep training stay safe and please follow the government's advice. .


#wewillbeback


The Third Team Link to Thrid team event .


In this episode we welcome Richard Storey; currently referee in the Republic of Ireland and formerly FIFA Assistant Referee whilst in Northern Ireland. We discuss:

⚽Richard's memories of his time on the FIFA AR Panel

⚽The pressures of officiating senior international football from the age of 24 and how he ended up on one of the biggest intenational matches

⚽How he balances officiating at the highest level with a full time job

⚽His brother's time also as a FIFA AR and how they worked together on matches

>

Check out Thier websites

refsupportuk .



the3rdteam.



The referee forum .




NEURA .


E-mail:     any issues please e-mail NUREA Treasurer



Keep training stay safe and please follow the government's advice. .


#wewillbeback


Podcast NAFL referee Jim Shaw by Gary Kelly


NAFL referee Jim Shaw talks openly about his career and Also other issues within Local football. >

Link to Podcast NAFL referee Jim Shaw.




NEURA .


E-mail:     any issues please e-mail NUREA Treasurer



Keep training stay safe and please follow the government's advice. .


#wewillbeback


Please email your questions and we will try to answer them on the web site



FAQ Page link Here.

Keep training stay safe and please follow the government's advice. .


#wewillbeback


Lawrence Black

E-mail:     neura.treasurer@gmail.com


NEURA NEURA .


NEURA News

The world Covid 19 pandemic


Meetings Firstly all further NEURA activity, training meetings and the like are suspended until further notice. This includes our April meeting and our AGM in May.

Benevolent Fund

The committee is acutely aware of the issues facing society in general at present in relation to the world Covid 19 pandemic

One of our core objectives is to maintain a Benevolent Fund.

The Committee has decided in the current circumstances to release funds from the Benevolent to help members who may be in financial difficulty at present.

We therefore invite any member who wishes to be considered for this to write to both myself and the treasurer (in the strictest of confidence) setting out their issues.

neura.treasurer@gmail.com secretaryofneura@gmail.com

An infinite pot of money is not available as you may imagine but we hope to help members out who need it in some way.

All cases will be considered on merit and the decision of committee will be final.



Keep training stay safe and please follow the government's advice. .


#wewillbeback


Neill Gillespie

E-mail:     secretaryofneura@gmail.com


NEURA NEURA .


Please email your questions and we will try to answer them on the web site



FAQ Page link Here.

Keep training stay safe and please follow the government's advice. .


#wewillbeback


Lawrence Black

E-mail:     neura.treasurer@gmail.com


NEURA NEURA .


Refereeing News IFA
If you register for the course now you will be ready and qualified for the start of the 2017/2018 season. There has never been a better time to register and you will get full training on the Laws of the Game, Safeguarding, Practical Refereeing Skills and all aspects of refereeing. There are many opportunities for female referees both at domestic and international level! Once your qualified you can choose from refereeing men's, women's or youth football, dive into the world of Futsal or hold the flag and run the line as an assistant referee! You can register at the link below.
IrishFa Referees
Or for any further information contact referees@irishfa.com
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