Mick Hill, the WFLA’s current Vice-Chairman, and a Referee’s Appointments Officer gives his take on the 2024 WFLA National Cup Finals held at Redditch United FC over the weekend of the 7th and 8th September 2024 as he moves on from his role on the WFLA Management Committee.
“A massive thank you to the team of referees who supported me in my final weekend as WFLA Referee’s Appointment Officer. I thought the performances of you all were superb. The feedback from the vast majority of teams and players was very complimentary.”
“The skill level of the players was amazing to see at times, it was such a high level with the ball being passed around with such pace and accuracy. The standard of goalkeeping was once again top drawer and often it took an absolutely brilliant goal to beat them . Over the weekend I was lucky to see some of the best walking football being played that I have ever seen. A massive congratulations to the competing teams.”
“There were some negatives. Players didn’t know the laws and created points of conflict by not knowing the laws they were playing to and in a number of games this lack of knowledge grew into dissent towards the referees. (Tackling from the side/crowding/two on one/6 seconds etc.)”
The competition had to be played to its conclusion under FA 2023 laws as they were the ones we started with. Definitely proved to me that the new laws are better. The old version means a player who runs three times is sin binned. I believe only one player fell foul of this but lots of players on 2 offences were substituted so no deterrent in my eyes. The four team runs and a penalty certainly alters the mindset of teams. There were unfortunately as well a small number of red cards for DOGSO offences, which meant a couple of teams playing long periods of games a player short. The new amendment of a blue card and a penalty is a far better solution.”
“It was once more an absolutely brilliant weekend put on by the WFLA. I heard players saying it was the best tournament they had ever played in, as the standard was that high. Well done to Bill Murney, Derek Murr and Tony Norton for the work done behind the scenes and the support from Colin Strong and Mandy Norton during the weekend.”
“As for me if you asked me at times was I having fun I would have to say not. A small number of players showed a total disrespect for the game and their match referee but overall the players and coaches from the sidelines were superb.”
“It has been great to be the Referee’s Appointments Officer for the WFLA and I want to say a massive thank you to all the referees who have supported WFLA events at Redditch United and throughout regional events as well. I am pleased that we have been able to introduce new referees to events at Redditch providing them with great events to develop their skills. The role has also enabled me to develop some good walking football friendships with people from all around the country.”
“Finally congratulations to all those who took part in this weekends event you provided a brilliant example (warts and all) of what walking football is all about.”
“See you around cheers, Mick.”
