Scotland's pride in its referees

'Devoted to Football'
An impressive guest list of around 480 people, which included 421 referees, as well as invited guests from Scotland and all over the world, were present for a weekend of discussion, debate and instruction, under the theme 'Devoted to Football'. A number of relaxed social events also took place alongside the serious business at hand.

Top representatives
The SFA has almost 2,300 registered referees, including 145 who are on the list of senior referees and qualified to officiate in the domestic Scottish Cup, Scottish Premier League and Scottish Football League. In recent times, Hugh Dallas is just one referee who has represented Scotland with distinction at the highest levels, acting as fourth official at last year's FIFA World Cup final and taking charge of the UEFA Super Cup match between Real Madrid CF and Feyenoord in Monaco last August.

Major benefits
"One of the major benefits of our conference is the fact that the public park referees can mix with, and learn from the experience of the senior referees, who are used extensively in the workshops and discussion groups," said Donald McVicar, the SFA's head of referee development.

Consistent approach
"Our annual conference is the envy of many countries, as it brings together everyone in the refereeing community, and allows us to promote a consistent approach to refereeing in the season ahead," he added. "We ensure that everyone knows what is expected of them, with clear and consistent instructions, and that can only be to the benefit of Scottish football.

End of an area
"This conference has been particularly poignant, as it marks the end of one era – the retirement of Tom Wharton from the association's referee supervisors' committee after a lifetime of involvement – and the start of another, with the appointment of Scotland's first Class 1 female referee, Morag Pirie." This appointment has come amid a concerted drive by the Scottish association to attract more female referees.

New website
McVicar plans to launch a new referee website for Scottish football in the new season, which will explain and highlight key refereeing decisions in domestic football, as well as offering advice, support and news for referees.

Difficult job
"It has never been a better time to be a referee," he stressed. "Most people now recognise that referees are devoted to football, and there is a genuine sense of respect for the difficult job they do."