In 1908, the formation of The Referees’ Association (The RA) marked the establishment of its fundamental principles centered around the well-being, representation, education, and development of referees. These principles remain highly pertinent today as The RA continuously evolves and improves.
Today, The RA has forged robust partnerships with leading charities, bringing remarkable benefits to our members. We strongly encourage all members to take advantage of the available support in case they, their families, or friends ever require it. Moreover, we have initiated collaborations with Childline and the NSPCC to cater specifically to our younger members.
Continually striving to enhance our benefits package, we now offer discounted driving lessons, gym memberships, sports nutrition, and more through the RA. Alongside these benefits, we have a longstanding partnership with Sporting Touch, a renowned supplier of kit and accessories, ensuring top-quality products, exceptional service, and competitive pricing.
The RA maintains a close working relationship with all stakeholders, including The Football Association, the PGMOL, and numerous other organisations within the football community.
The RA remains dedicated to upholding its founding principles, adapting to the needs of referees and striving for their continued welfare, representation, education, and development.
What happens when it goes wrong?
It would be nice to live in a world where nothing goes wrong but unfortunately that is not the case.
Occasionally the welfare of a Referee comes under
severe pressure during games which can lead to further problems and confrontation.
It’s at this point that your Referees’ Association membership comes into its own providing you with all the necessary support, counselling or rehabilitation needed in order to return to refereeing as soon as practically possible.
This support is provided without restriction or exception – if you are a Member you are entitled to the support – simple.
Examples of support we have provided are:
Physical Assault – during and post game
Verbal Abuse – during and post game
Damage to Vehicles – post game
Welfare
The Welfare Team is here to support any member who has
suffered any kind of abuse, either during or after a match or
online. This includes being shouted at by players, managers or
spectators. We can assist with report writing and offer advice
on what action to take when misconduct has occurred.
We can offer assistance when either you or someone during
your match has been subjected to racist, sexist, homophobic
or any other kind of abuse and outline the steps you should
take.
We have a Welfare Team that comprises a mental health
first-aider, two ex-RDOs, a police officer and three
parents whose children have been subject to abuse or poor
treatment. All cases are dealt with on an individual basis and
are underpinned by our Representation Team.
The RA also has a Benevolent Fund which is available to any
member who is suffering hardship. So if you are unable to
work or have fallen on hard times, please get in touch to see
if the RA can help you.
Representation Team
Our Representation Team comprises solicitors, barristers, ex-police officers and experts in County FA disciplinary matters. If you are charged with any offence by your County FA or the FA, our Team is there to support you and offer free advice on how best to proceed. They are also there to support you in the event that you are abused or assaulted and to guide and support you through any disciplinary hearing. Members of the Team regularly appear at disciplinary hearings and advise on all aspects of strategy, evidence and procedure. They regularly address issues concerning extraordinary incidents from matches, and other charges against referees as participants including issues which arise from social media postings.
The services of the Welfare Team and the Representation Team are provided free of charge to Members.
For help please contact:
welfare@the-ra.org or 07718 485892.
Member Motor
Breakdown Assistance
We have developed an exclusive offering for all Members to help them in their day to day lives.
- Homestart
- Roadside assistance
- Local recovery
- Nationwide recovery
- No excess
- No limit on call outs
- All makes and models accepted
- No vehicle age restrictions
- UK only
£25.00 per Paid Member or Relative/Friend of a Paid Member.
For more information contact: membership@the-ra.org or 02476 420360.
*Terms and conditions apply.
Member Benefits
Enjoy exclusive member benefits and unlock discounts on a wide range of products and services, saving you money and offering you comprehensive insurance cover.
For information on all the benefits of becoming a member please contact us.
RA Members get 2 for 1 on their first two lessons plus up to £5 off an hour.
RA Members pay no joining fee and 10% off per month on gym membership.
20% discount off Whirlpool, Hotpoint & Indesit Kitchen Products for all Members.
The Referees’ Association Personal Accident Insurance has been designed with the welfare of its Members being the sole focus and developed to be market leading.
40% discount on all products.
20% Discount on REFSIX Pro for RA Members.
Memberships are £25 per season for adults and £15 if you are under 18
Are you passionate about refereeing? Interested in joining our expanding organisation? We welcome referees of all levels to become part of our community. Contact us today to take the first step towards an exciting journey to enhance your refereeing with Bootle RA.
