The Referees' Channel

An entertaining conversation with Rosheen and Eleeza who are the first two muslim female referees in Wales. In this episode they will be discussing the barriers, difficulties and issues that have affected them.

An entertaining conversation and discussion on the barriers and issues affecting black, asian and minority ethnic referees in Wales The first of many please leave a comment or follow us on twitter and engage with the conversation @cymrubameref

Gemma Grainger became manager of the Cymru National Team in March 2021 on a four-year contract, as the team look to reach a major tournament for the first time in their history.

Grainger’s first competitive campaign in charge of Cymru started in September, with the side competing for a place in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The campaign has ran with the slogan ‘For Us, For Them, For Her’ and the side’s exciting side of play currently sees them sit in second place in the group after four wins, one draw and one loss. Cymru have scored 17 goals along the way, and are attracting record crowds to home matches.

Originally from Middlesbrough, Grainger spent eleven years working with the England age group setup, as head coach of teams from the WU15 through to the WU23 groups. A UEFA Pro Licence holder, Grainger was part of England’s coaching staff for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2017 competition, where England reached the semi-finals.

FAW Chief Executive Noel Mooney discusses the FAW's six-year strategic plan designed to make Wales a leading football nation.  'Our Wales' aims to increase participation, improve facilities and bring increased success on the field.

Gibraltar FA Referees Manager Adrian Bacarisa discusses the schemes they run to recruit, develop and retain their referees.

Gary talks about the game against Real Madrid - 50 years to the day

During his career he made over 200 appearances in the Football League and represented Republic of Ireland at youth and B levels.  After being spotted by Manchester United he made two league appearances for the first-team, and later captained the club's reserve side He spent time away from Old Trafford on loan at Oldham Athletic and Swansea City before leaving the club on a permanent basis in August 1992, joining Cardiff City for a fee of £85,000. In his first season at Ninian Park, he helped the side win the Third Division title and the Welsh Cup and went on to make over 100 appearances for the club before moving to Newport County and Haverfordwest County as a player and manager.

Derek talks about his brief stint at Swansea and his move to Cardiff City

After calling time on her playing career at Liverpool and Doncaster Belles Cheryl picked up the whistle to stay active and to give something back to the game. In a relatively short space of time she has climbed to refereeing ranks to becoming the top female referee not only in Wales but also Europe. Cheryl is also an IFAB Advisory Delegate - giving feedback on improvements on the Laws of the Game 

The guest speaker is Dr Tom Webb who is a Senior Lecturer at University of Portsmouth, Coordinator of the Referee & Match Official Research Network, researching abuse and wellbeing of match officials. Dr Webb has recently published a book that explores issues related to the abuse of referees and match officials in sport. Drawing on original empirical research in football, rugby union, rugby league and cricket, it provides an insight into the complexities involved in the recruitment, retention and development processes of match officials from across the global sports industry.  Using an evidence-based approach, the book examines why abuse occurs, the operational environments in which match officials operate, and underlying issues and trends that cut across sports and therefore can be linked to wider societal trends. It challenges global sport policy and discusses the development of an inclusive, cohesive and facilitative environment for match officials, players, coaches and spectators to ensure the future provision of global sport.  Referees, Match Officials and Abuse is an invaluable resource for all students, scholars and national governing bodies of sport with an interest in match officials, sports governance, sport policy, sport management and the sociology of sport.

A discussion on with London FA's Jamaal Horne on referee recruitment, retention and support

Society meeting with Ian Bird - FIFA and Cymru/Welsh Premier Assistant Referee.  Ian gives his advice on how to be an effective assistant and reflects upon his time at the UEFA U-19 Championship held in Finland in 2018.

Gary Bell, a former Cardiff City player in the 1960's and 70's talks about the legendary John Charles. When they played together in the Welsh League.

BBC Wales Rob Phillips talks all things Football in this edition as well as reminisces about the key moments in his career working as a football reporter at the Rhondda Leader, SW Argus and The Echo.

Rob also talks about the unforgettable moments at Euro 2016.

Some interesting calls to the Call Rob radio show following the Cardiff City v Wigan game. Some interesting / dubious decisions by the referee and a some familiar ex referees give their perspective on the game.

Phil is a former FIFA Assistant Referee and the current FAW Referees Manager.

In this presentation he will be discussing Law 12 Fouls and Misconduct and the correct sanctions for cautions and sendings off in the the game. He also discusses the potential introduction of the 'Sin Bin' in Wales.

November 2019 Podcast

Ray describes himself as Gravesend & Northfleet follower(Ebbsfleet Utd). Marathon Runner & Member of IFAB, UEFA Observer & FAW Elite Referees Coach. But he means so much more to us - it great to have Ray back with us talking about

• The development of the game in Wales
  • The success of the restructure - the effect down the pyramid and grassroots football
• Future opportunities for referees in Wales - the impact of CORE in Wales and across UEFA
• His role in IFAB and any trends/developments. (Future of VAR)

Welcome to Cardiff Referees' Society monthly meeting on the problems and issues that referees experience at the grassroots level.

Former Cardiff City stalwart and a member of the team that beat Real Madrid in 1971 talks about his career.

Gary is a life-long Baggies supporter and spent time on trial with the club at the age of 15. West Brom manager Jimmy Hagan offered Gary an amateur deal at The Hawthorns but he never played a senior match for the club.  Gary was offered a contract by non-league side Lower Gornal Athletic where he was spotted by Cardiff City and the rest is history.