Refs off to training camp in Marbella

Referee Mike Tumilty will take charge of the Dundee United-Celtic match on Sunday following a four day training break in Marbella.

Twenty-seven refs flew out to the Spanish resort this morning under the guidance of John Fleming, the Acting Head of Referee Development.

Also included in the travelling party is sports scientist Graeme Jones, fitness coach John McQuade, Drew Herbertson from the Referee Administration department, Joanne McArthur from the Referee Development department and Referee Committee member Alan Freeland.

Last season’s training exercise hit the headlines when it later emerged that 80% of the refs had failed an exam during the training trip with Fleming hopeful that this year’s trip will be more useful.

He said: “It’s important referees pass on their concerns over the next few days.

“It’s been a traumatic time for refereeing in Scotland both on and off field of play over last few months but this is a great opportunity for us to look at what caused the problems and I’m looking for the referees to tell me what they are looking for to help them.

“We fully appreciate the work they do and the scrutiny they are under. There is intense media pressure on them every week, especially in the televised matches – much more than there has ever been in the last ten years.

“But the Scottish FA is 100% supportive of the referees at all times and we want to deliver for them.”

Discussing the training schedule Fleming said: “The referees can expect intense training sessions in the coming days.

“We want them to perform and we want them to improve their fitness levels by the end of the camp.

“We have fitness specialists here in the shape of Graeme and John and they will be recording the fitness levels of the referees throughout the trip.

“In the evenings, there will be opportunities for group discussion and we will also analyse a number of video clips from recent domestic fixtures.

“Referees are a very important part of game. We know there are mistakes in games but we want to work with the referees and work to eliminate mistakes.

“This is a great chance for us to get together with the top referees in Scotland and we must take advantage of it.”

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