News
Port Talbot pair retain Welsh Premier status
Gareth Ayres and Paul Fisher both passed the Welsh Premier League fitness test on Sunday 12th July to retain their positions as assistants on the National List of Assistants.
Ryan Thomas is working his way back to full fitness and is hopeful of completing the test in September to take his position up on the league.
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Gareth Ayres appointed to to Liberty opener
Gareth Ayres has been appointed as assistant in Swansea City's opening pre-season friendly vs FC Twente of Holland on Saturday 18th July. The referee will be Huw Jones, with Phil Bates as the other assistant. Brian James is 4th Official.
Meanwhile, Paul Fisher has been appointed as assistant in Wales v Ireland Schoolboy Internation at the Gnoll on Sunday 30th August 2pm. Referee is Dean John, with Teifion Cook (assistant) and Gary Hire (4th official) also appointed to the match
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Gareth gets his first overseas FIFA appointment
Society member Gareth Ayres will be jetting off on the 8th June to officiate in a Group 5 Euro U21s fixture between San Marino and the Czech Republic.
Gareth will travel with match referee Huw Jones, who is also making his Euro debut, along with assistant Alun Boore, while experienced Welsh Premier referee Dean John makes up the team as the 4th official.
Congratulations Gareth on your appointment.
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Port Talbot Officials to take charge of South Wales FA Youth Cup Final
Jeff Bailey has been appointed to referee the final of the South Wales FA Youth Cup between Afan Lido and Porthcawl Town.
His assistants will be Paul Fisher and George Ridgeway. The venue and date for the final is to be confirmed.
Last season 3 Port Talbot Officials - Paul Fisher, Rhys Burgess and Phil Lang - took charge of the Welsh League Youth Cup Final between Merthyr Tydfil and Pontardawe.
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Gareth to make his FIFA debut
Newly appointed to the FIFA list of Assistant Referees Gareth Ayres will run the line at the International Challenge Under 23 Trophy Final on Tuesday 19th May, which between England and Belgium.
The Tournament is the U-23 Semi Professional competition, which Wales competed in against England - who finished top of the Group ? as well as Italy and Finland. Belgium won the other Group, which also featured Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Slovakia. The game will take place at the Kassam Stadium, Oxford.
Swansea Referee Mark Whitby will take control and Cardiff's Kim Fisher will be on the other line.
All at Port Talbot Referees Society wish Gareth all the best for his first FIFA appointment.
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Phil Southall to retire at the end of the season
Phil Southall has decided to retire from the Welsh Premier League at the end of the season.
Phil has been a referee for 34 years and is the current chairman of Port Talbot Referees Society.
Everyone at the society is delighted to hear that Phil may be given an opportunity to help and develop younger referees.
Phil said: "I have made my decision to retire as a referee from the Welsh Premier League referees list at the end of this season.
"This has not been an easy decision to make as refereeing has been a huge part of my life
and I will really miss it. I have been an active referee for 34 seasons and have really enjoyed my time in the middle.
"I have made some great friends during that time and met some fantastic people. At 48 years of age I feel that now is as good a time as any to step down and give someone else the opportuntity to achieve their goal of becoming a referee at the the top level in Wales.
"I would like to take his opportunity to thank you all for the support and backing you have given me during my career."
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Port Talbot League Knock-Out Cup Semi Finals
The Port Talbot League Knock-Out Cup Semi Finals have been arranged for the following dates:
Monday 16th February at Afan Lido, 6.45pm
Newton Wanderers v Baglan Red Dragons
Referee: Paul Fisher
Assistants: George Ridgeway and Rhys Burgess
Monday 23rd February at Afan Lido, 6.45pm
Real Bay View v Cwmafan FC
Referee: Gareth Ayres
Assistants: John Ayres and David Powell
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New referees course to start on WEDNESDAY 14TH JANUARY 2009
A new referees course is to start on WEDNESDAY 14TH JANUARY 2009 at Baglan Boys and Girls Club (off the A48 at Baglan) at 7pm.
Anyone interested in taking the course should contact Port Talbot Referees Society on 07986 317279 or email r.thomas6@ntlworld.com
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Gareth Ayres appointed to FIFA Assistants list
In the new list of International Referees and Assistant Referees recently announced by FIFA, Wales has been allocated four Referees, which is one more than was the case in the 2008 List. The Assistants List now totals eight, which gives Wales two additional places.
Those concerned are Referees, Ceri Richards (Llanelli), Mark Whitby (Swansea), Lee Evans (Bethesda) and Huw Jones of Llanraheadr, who is the new appointment.
Four of the existing Assistant Referees have been re-appointed. These are Phil Bates (Caldicot), Alun Boore (Cardiff), Eddie King (Swansea) and Phil Thomas (Trealaw). Those newly appointed are 25 year-old Gareth Ayres from Port Talbot, John Swindley (Wrexham) and Cardiff?€™s Kim Fisher, who are both just 23 years of age and JB Roberts (Caernarfon) who is 35.
This is a tremendous boost for Welsh Referees and reflects the excellent performances of Welsh Officials on FIFA and UEFA games over recent Seasons.
In welcoming the news, FAW Referees Committee Chairman and Principality Welsh Premier League Chairman Phil Woosnam said,
"I am absolutely delighted at the increase in our Representation on the International list of Match Officials and I am sure that those concerned will uphold the excellent standards that our Referees and Assistant Referees have achieved in the past."
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3 PORT TALBOT OFFICIALS APPOINTED TO WELSH PREMIER FIXTURE
For the first time in at least a decade Port Talbot will have three officials on a fixture in the top level of Welsh football.
On Saturday 10th January, Phil Southall will referee the Welsh Premier match between Porthmadog and Caersws.
His assistants will be Gareth Ayres and Paul Fisher.
This will be the first time for at least 10 years that three Port Talbot referees will have officiated on the same match in the Welsh Premier or the former League of Wales.
Phil has been involved in the league since its inaugural season in 1992, while Gareth is enjoying his second season as a Welsh Premier assistant and Paul is newly promoted to this level.
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NEW REFEREES COURSE TO START IN JANUARY
Port Talbot Referees Society is collecting names for a new referees course to begin in January 2009 at the Baglan Boys and Girls Club.
Anyone interested then please contact Ryan Thomas at r.thomas6@ntlworld.com
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Referees Society going to the Dogs!!!
On Saturday November 22nd Port Talbot Referees Society is going to the dogs!
Swansea Greyhound Stadium in fact.
Minibus is booked. Meet at the Grove Park straight after your game. First race is 7.30pm.
Limited spaces now available.
Contact George Ridgeway 07970 067584.
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Protecting the image of the game
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ALL REFEREES AND CLUBS
There is a real concern at the level of offensive, insulting and abusive language being used on the field of play and by managers and coaches on the touchline.
By clicking on the link below you will find a document written by the Welsh Premier League but it applies to every league in Wales. All referees have been instructed to reduce the amount of offensive, insulting and abusive language by applying the laws of the game.
http://www.welshleague.org.uk/PROTECTING%20THE%20IMAGE%20OF%20THE%20GAME.pdf
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Welsh League Youth Cup Final
Paul Fisher took charge of the Welsh League Youth Cup Final on the 19th May 2008 between Pontardawe Town and Merthyr Tydfil. He was assisted by Rhys Burgess, Phill Land and had a fourth official Keith Wilkshire.
Positions in photo, from left to right:
4th official
Keith Wilkshire
Assistant
Rhys Burgess
Referee
Paul Fisher
Assistant
Phil Lang
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Photos from Welsh Cup Final
Phil Southall took charge of the Welsh Cup Final between Bangor City and Llanelli at Latham Park, Newtown on Sunday the 4th April 2008. More photos and a match report can be found: HERE
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Roberto Martinez visits Society
Here is a photo taken on the night Roberto Martinez visited society.
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Division 1 Cup Final
Real Bay View v Gwynfi United played at Afan Lido
Referee Jeff Bailey, Assistants Rhys Burgess and Phil Lang and 4th Official Paul Fisher line up with Bay View captain Gavin Jefferies and Gwynfi captain David Blackmore.
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New referees urgently needed
Due to a number of forthcoming retirements new referees are urgently required to officiate in the Port Talbot and District League.
We have been unable to start a new course due to a lack of numbers to make it feasible. If you have previously expressed an interest please contact the society by email pbf.ref@ntlworld.com to confirm you are still interested.
There must be individuals out there who wish to put something back into the game or want a new challenge.
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Roberto Martinez guest speaker at April meeting
Swansea City manager Roberto Martinez will be the society's guest speaker on Thursday 17th April at 7.15pm.
Submitted on: 7/04/08[Edit] [Delete]
Under 14s FInal - Phil Lang
Phil Lang took charge of the Under 14s final at Goytre and was assisted by Jeff Bailey and Ian Bird. Click on the image to see the full size version.
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Under 12 Final - Ryan Thomas
Ryan Thomas took charge of the Under 12s final at Goytre and was assisted by Rhys Burgess and Matthew Bushell. Click on the image to see the full size version.
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Another top guest speaker for society
Following the success of former Premier League and FIFA referee Steve Dunn in January, the society has booked another top guest speaker for our April 2008 meeting.
The guest speaker will be Swansea City manager Roberto Martinez.
Watch this space for further details.
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Presentations to Len Howells and Steve Dunn
Click on the links below to see write ups on the presentations made to Len Howells and Steve Dunn on Thursday 31st January:
http://www.welshleague.org.uk/latest_news1.htm#PRESENTATION_TO_LEN_HOWELLS
http://www.welshleague.org.uk/latest_news1.htm#PORT_TALBOT_REFEREES_SOCIETY_PRESS_RELEASE
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Port Talbot League Cup Semi Final - Tuesday 5th February 2008
Port Talbot League Cup Semi Final
Tuesday 5th February 2008, 7pm at Afan Lido
Grove Park v Cornelly United
Referee: Mark Thomas
Assistants: Keith Tobin & Jeff Bailey
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Local league fixtures - Saturday 9th February 2008
PREMIER DIV
CORNELLY UTD v CROESERW UTD
MEADOW ST
REF: TBA
CWMAFAN PHOENIX v CORUS STEEL
PARC Y LLYN
REF: JAMIE DOBBINS
CWMAFAN WELFARE v MARGAM Y.C.
TALBOT PK
REF: PHIL LANG
GROVE PARK v GLYNCORRWG HALL
VIV PK 1
REF: JEFF BAILEY
PORT TALBOT TWN v NEWTON WNDRS
VIV PK LEAGUE
REF: CHRIS PARSONS
TREFELIN BGC v BAGLAN BGC
YNYS PK
REF: MIKE HOLLAND
DESIGN PRINTERS DIV 1 CHALLENGE CUP ROUND 2
GLYNCORRWG HALL v REAL BAY VIEW
YNYSCORRWG PK
REF: ADRIAN DAVIES
ROYAL MAIL PT v CORNELLY UTD ?B?
WEST AVE 1
REF: PAUL GUMMS
GWYNFI UTD v ABERCRAGEN REFRESH
GWYNFI
REF: TONY REES
KENFIG HILL v MARGAM YC
KENFIG HILL
REF: ANDREW SAWYERS
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This weekend's Port Talbot League fixtures and appointments
With the improved weather we may actually see some games played this weekend...
ACE WINDOW SYSTEMS PREMIER DIV CHALLENGE CUP
GROUP A
BAGLAN RED DRAGONS v TREFELIN BGC
EVANS BEVANS
REF JEFF BAILEY
CWMAFAN PHOENIX v NEWTON WNDRS
PARC Y LLYN
REF PHIL LANG
GLYNCORRWG HALL v CORNELLY UTD
YNYSCORRWG PK
REF PAUL FISHER
ACE WINDOW SYSTEMS PREMIER DIV CHALLENGE CUP
GROUP B
CROESERW UTD v CORUS STEEL
TBA
REF TONY REES
MARGAM YC v GROVE PK
GROESWEN
REF MARK THOMAS
PORT TALBOT TWN v CWMAFAN WELFARE
VIV PK LEAGUE
REF RHYS BURGESS
DIV 1
ABERCRAGEN REFRESH v MARGAM YC
RED FIELD
REF IAN BIRD
BLUE STARS v KENFIG HILL
TALBOT PK
REF ANDREW SAWYERS
CORNELLY UTD ?B? v CROESERW UTD
MEADOW ST
REF KEITH TOBIN
GWYNFI UTD v ROYAL MAIL PT
GWYNFI
REF ADRIAN DAVIES
PORTHCAWL TWN v GLYNCORRWG HALL
LOCKS LANE
REF JAMIE DOBBINS
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This weekend's local league fixtures
PREMIER DIV SAT JANUARY 12th 2008 KICK OFF 2.30PM
CORUS STEEL v BAGLAN RED DRAGONS CORUS PHIL LANG
CWMAFAN PHOENIX v GROVE PK PARC Y LLYN DAVE POWELL
GLYNCORRWG v PORT TALBOT YNYSCORRWG PK MARK PRICE
MARGAM YC v CROESERW UTDGROESWEN MIKE HOLLAND
NEWTON WNDRS v CORNELLY UTD WEST AVE 3 MARK THOMAS
TREFELIN BGC v CWMAFAN WELFARE YNYS PK TONY REES
SAT JANUARY 12th 2008 KICK OFF 2.00PM
DESIGN PRINTERS DIV 1 CHALLENGE CUP ROUND 1
BLUE STARS v GLYNCORRWG HALL TALBOT PK RHYS BURGESS
CORNELLY UTD ?C? v ROYAL MAIL MEADOW ST KEITH TOBIN
GWYNFI UTD v PORT TALBOT GWYNFI JAMIE DOBBINS
PORTHCAWL v CORNELLY UTD ?B? LOCKS LANE JEFF BAILEY
REAL BAY VIEW v CROESERW VIV PK LEAGUE PAUL GUMMS
DIV 1 SAT JANUARY 12th 2008 KICK OFF 2.30PM
ABERCRAGAN v KENFIG HILL RED FIELD ADRIAN DAVIES
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Two-footed tackles
The Referees' board has denied that officials have been ordered to clamp down on the two-footed tackle and say they are merely enforcing existing policy.
The two-footed tackle has been under the spotlight recently following a spate of red cards, including Boxing Day dismissals for Chelsea's Ricardo Carvalho and Reading's Brynjar Gunnarsson. But the spokesman for the Professional Game Match Officials Board denied there had been an instruction to be any stricter than they usually are.
The spokesman said: "The issue of the two-footed challenges was discussed at the regular pre-season meetings the PGMO hold with managers and players. They were reminded of the key point surrounding the excessive use of force in the tackle.
"A player who jumps into a tackle two-footed is not in control of himself and therefore if he makes contact with the player, ball and player, or if the referee determines there to be excessive malice in the challenge, he will be dismissed.
"There has been no 'clampdown' on the tackle or new directive issued ? referees are simply applying the law as it has always stood."
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Welcome to your new-look www.porttalbotreferees.co.uk
News to go here.
Submitted on: 22/11/07[Edit] [Delete]