The English Football’s Professional Game Match Officials (PGMOL) has recently introduced an incremental method emphasizing recruiting several ex-players as referees to join the Premier League. The objective of this scheme is in conjunction with the Professional Footballers’ Association ( PFA ). This is perceived to be referential to the ‘Rooney Rule’ for match officials Launched as part of former goalkeeper Mark Crossley’s successful campaign to rejuvenate refereeing.
However, the pilot is designed to provide 10-12 ex-players with a realistic route into refereeing and fast-track them to the top level. In anticipation, the football world waits to see the improvement it brings to the beautiful game.
PGMOL Player to Match Official Introduction
After 120 former players expressed their desire to become referees after the pilot scheme, the PGMOL introduced the “ player to match official “ which is a three-year refereeing scholarship program. However, this particular program is under the Elite Referee Development Plan. Therefore, it’s been developed and launched with funding from the Premier League, aiming at rejuvenating positive refereeing in English football.
Taking part in the program, people will be able to officiate the matches at various tiers given their performance. After the three-year course, they can oversee matches involving all professional leagues in England. However, this is the opinion of chief refereeing officer Howard Webb. He believes it is a positive step in increasing the diversity of officials, education, and experience from current and former players.
Furthermore, to improve beyond their skills, knowledge, and qualities as match officials coming through from this program. The PFA and the PGMOL regard this as a promising chance for the participants to consider an avenue that may take them up the hierarchy, this time in an official match.
PGMOL and PFA Ambitions
Moving to the next stage, only a handful of former players will start the process later in the summer. Meanwhile, this will include enrolling in a referee course emphasizing more theoretical and practical sections. Also, participants will dedicate two weekdays as paid staff to enhance their abilities as match officials.
The PGMOL and the PFA have ambitions to ensure that the environment is provided for maximum development. This can be attained by enhancing the capabilities of participants in a bid to advance through the tiered system of football at a faster pace. However, this program is a big step towards expanding the availability of officials of diverse backgrounds. Meanwhile, Chris Birchall, a former player, accepted the first invitation, becoming the referee of his first qualification game at 39. Furthermore, this exemplifies the opportunities that can be given by this program.
Conclusion
The new program, administered by the PGMOL with the help of the PFA, ensures a more effective transfer of former players into the realm of refereeing. However, this marks a new direction in officiating matches in the English football league. Therefore, the program’s target includes, increasing the number of referees, and promoting the recruiting of diverse match officials. With a clear aspiration and successful implementation, there is no doubt that the future of refereeing will be positively reshaped. Finally, in anticipation of its implementation, football lovers are eager to see its success, while critics are also glued.
About the Author
Edmund Jaja is a sports enthusiast, Content Writer, Editor, and Storyteller from Nigeria. He’s been a die-hard Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid, and Manchester United fan since the Fergie era. With a background and experience in Psychology, he has the zeal, passion, and creativity to inspire through writing.
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