The purpose of the development centres are to develop potential by providing enthusiastic, committed match officials with coaching in a safe and constructive environment allowing talent and confidence to flourish and individual aspirations to be achieved.
The Middlesbrough FC & North Riding FA Centre of Referee Development has referees from 14 years of age up to 43 years of age all of whom have showed great commitment.
The centres of development meet once a month and each referee works with an experienced referees coach who attends games throughout the season and offers advice and guidance.
Monthly meetings consist of, guest speakers, Fitness Training, Practical training and classroom group work.
Each referee along with their coach will agree an action plan for the season which may be, to referee a cup final, to act as an assistant referee on a cup final, to gain promotion or as a few of our members have done this season referee an adult game.
Ross Joyce, Referee Development Officer is responsible for the Centre of development and is supported by Steve Monkhouse & Trevor Wing as training officers.
Ross said " The Centre of Development has now been in place for around 9 years and over the last 2 seasons since my appointment as RDO we have changed the set up slightly. As well as looking after young referees we also invite referees who are showing lots of potential and commitment. With the help of the Centre these referees can progress through the referee pyramid system".
He continued " We have a great group of referees 4 of which are female within the centre and they have all started very well.
We also have Centres of development in Scarborough, Bedale & York who are also producing quality referees and I am certain that within the 4 centres that we have a future Premier League referee".