History

History of Portsmouth Referees' Society

Little is known about the appointment of referees in the early days of football in the city, but since most matches involved service teams on their own grounds, and the PTIs had a sound knowledge of the Laws of the Game, it followed that they controlled the games. They were fair and by their rank and discipline on one side and through daunting physique and bristling moustaches, commanded repsect from the other.

Football in the Noth of England developed well ahead of its southern counterparts and consequently all the top flight referees were in the force from those above the midlands. The first recorded acceptance of local men in National refereeing circles is in a report of a London meeting of the Football Association held on October 25th 1983, when Sgt C.J.Eynott R.E and Mr J.Poole both of Portsmouth were elected members and qualified to act officially as referees wherever directed.

In Janurary 1985 the Portsmouth and District Referees Committee was formed, who were responsible for instructing, examining and appointing officials as requested by affiliated competitions. In the same year W.Pickford drafted the Referees Chart containg the Laws, and gave the copyright to The Referees' Association. He was later knighted and became the President of the Football Association.

Although founded in 1907, there are no minute books of the Society prior to 1919, so it is impossible to relate the early facts. However, it is almost certain that the initial meetings were held at St. Jude's School, Southsea, where on of the founder members Mr. R.Pook was headmaster and the elected Secretary was Mr. G.Carpenter from Liss. The Society's function was purely social and informative, with the Portsmouth FA controlling appointments. There was soon established close links with the Southampton and Isle of Wight branches which included football matches against them, where proceeds were handled to the CFA Benevolent Fund.

There was considerable trouble in persuading the Society to affiliate to The Referees' Association because the Portsmouth Society were adamant that derogatory remarks were made by the National Body against their President. This was argued for fourteen years until 1935 when differences were settled and affiliation took place. Despite this at the 1938 Annual General Meeting it was proposed yet again to "go it alone", but fortunately the motion was defeated.

When the Second World War intervened the referees continued wherever possible controlling the few local cup competitions that continued during hostilities, and still met socially.

In 1947 when RA membership justified the constitution of a County Committee the Portsmouth Society played a leading part in its formation, on which it has representation to the present day.

In the early fifties the Society was indebted to people like Alf German, Ernie Pitt, Jim Langford and Bill Halliday in getting the Society re-established. They were honoured with the National Meritorious Award for outstanding devotionover more than twenty years. After them came men like Harry New, Bob Stanfield, Trevor Hewinson, Bert Gazey and Dave McBeth. The Society are proud that Trevor has been joined by Alan Robinson, Ron Dix, Barry Goddon and Lou Stephenson as holders of the prestigious award. All are now life members of the Society by right.

Since 1956 the Society has published its own magazine "The Pompey Whistler". Under a succession of editors a high standard has been maintained with many interesting and informative articles, and we appreicate their efforts.

A very proud moment in the history was staging the 1973 National RA Conference, which took five years of planning and fund raising. Over 500 people came to the city, with events held in the Guildhall. The committee of John Vincent (Chairman), Alan Robinson (Secretary), Bryan Peters (Treasurer), Ron Dix (Accomodation Secretary) and Maurice Hutty (Transport Officer) received tremendous support from the membership for such an important event, which still remains in the memory of those involved as a great achievement.

For forty-seven years meetings have been held at The Co-operative Employees Club under notable Chairmanships of Bob Stanfield, John Vincent, Ron Dix, Len Thundercliffe, Barry Goddon, Keith Rogers, Neil Hawkins and Nick Taplin. They have been supported by a succession of secretaries, the longest serving being Alan Robinson for twelve years. He was the Overseas and Services Secretary to the National Body for 36 years and is one of their few life members.

Membership caters for all levels of the referees from local park football to F.I.F.A, and regularly exceeds 100 in number. The object has always been to educate referees and provide social activites. Speakers have included Sir Stanley Rous, Dennis Follows, Ted Croker, Graham Kelly, Andy McMullen, Ken Ridden, Ken Aston, Alan Hardaker, Richard Scudamore, officers of the National RA Council, together with seventeen FA Cup Final Referees.

Over the years, nine members have controlled games at top level in the country, two of which have refereed the F.A. Cup Final, namely Alan Robinson (1986) and Rob Styles (2005), both of whom achieved status on the F.I.F.A International Referees Panel. Four of our number have lined at the Final, Harry New, Alan Robinson, Micky Pierce and Keith Stroud bringing added distinction.

The Society inrooduced its own handbook in 1966 detailing all the relevant rules appertaining to referees in local competitions. This was followed three years later by appointing Coaching Officers, with Murice Hutty and Ernie Askham carrying out the important task. Such tasks have been diligently maintained by a series of excellent tutors who have set many a referee on his or her career with the whistle. Also, the Society of today has representation on all the local leagues, producing a close understanding and co-operation.

By following the example set by the officers and members who have served the Society in its 100 year history it is obvious Portsmouth will remain a strong force in supporting the game we love.