Bury & Rochdale Referees Association

09/09/2026

Being in an offside position does not, on its own, mean a player has committed an offence.

Law 11 also requires involvement in active play — such as playing the ball, interfering with an opponent, or gaining an advantage in the circumstances set out in the Law.

It’s a useful distinction when explaining a decision or reviewing a clip.

Read Law 11: https://www.theifab.com/laws/latest/offside/

08/09/2026

Every referee has a piece of advice that stuck.

It might have come from a mentor, an observer, a colleague in the changing room or someone who watched your first game.

What was yours — and why has it stayed with you?

Put it in the comments. Your answer could be exactly what another referee needs to hear.

07/09/2026

A good conversation with another referee can make a real difference to your week.

At Bury & Rochdale Referees’ Association, you can meet people who understand the role, share experiences and keep learning through our Monthly Development Sessions.

New to refereeing or several seasons in, you’re welcome here.

Find out about joining: https://www.buryrefs.org.uk/join

Develop. Deliver. Belong.

04/09/2026

⚽ APPOINTMENTS | 5th - 11th September

Another busy week ahead for members of the Bury & Rochdale Referees’ Association, with officials appointed across the football pyramid — including The FA Cup, National League, Northern Premier League, North West Counties, Women’s National League and more.

Best of luck to everyone out and about this week! 👏

See the full list of appointments 👇
https://www.buryrefs.org.uk/post/appointments-5th-11th-september-2026

We are back again and as ever we are proud to publish our members' appointments for 5th - 11th September. Match Appointments - Saturday 5th SeptemberMartin Flynn - Referee Brereton Social vs Sandbach United North West Counties - Division One South Matthew Clarke - Referee Salford City vs Mansfield T...

02/09/2026

September MDS: Peter Bankes – Concentration & Composure

Bury & Rochdale Referees’ Association welcomes Premier League referee Peter Bankes for our September Monthly Development Session.

Peter will lead a session on Concentration & Composure, exploring two qualities that can be crucial to decision-making and match control when the pressure is on.

📅 03/09/2026
Doors: 19:00 | Session: 19:30
St Mary’s Social Club, Pine Street, Radcliffe, M26 2WQ

Come along, learn from Peter’s experience and take practical ideas into your own refereeing.

Develop. Deliver. Belong.

28/08/2026

📋 APPOINTMENTS | 29th August – 4th September

Another busy week ahead for members of Bury & Rochdale Referees’ Association, with officials appointed across a wide range of competitions.

Take a look at this week’s appointments and see where our members will be in action.

🔗 https://www.buryrefs.org.uk/post/appointments-29th-august-4th-september-2026

Best of luck to everyone officiating over the coming days.

Develop. Deliver. Belong.

We are back again and as ever we are proud to publish our members' appointments for 29th August - 4th September 2026.Match Appointments - Saturday 29th AugustMatthew Clarke - Assistant Referee Stockport County vs Grimsby Town Professional Development League North - League Cup Ben Cotton - Referee Le...

21/08/2026

BRRA Appointments | 📰

Check out the latest round of appointments for our match officials! Some huge appointments this week!

Read here:

We are back again and as ever we are proud to publish our members' appointments for 22nd - 28th August 2026. Match Appointments - Saturday 22nd AugustAron Connolly - Referee Wythenshawe vs Clitheroe FA Cup - Preliminary Round James Mainwaring - Assistant Referee Brentford vs Tottenham Hotspur Premie...

20/08/2026

Introducing the A–Z of Referee Development. 🔤

Over the next 26 weeks, we’ll work through 26 different skills that can help referees develop their performances and become more effective match officials.

Week 1: A is for Anticipation.

The best referees don’t simply follow play - they read what is likely to happen next.

⚽ Read players’ body shape, available space and passing options.
🏃 Adjust your position before play moves and identify an escape route.
⚠️ Recognise tension, repeated duels and potential flashpoints early.

Don’t just follow play. Read what happens next.

What helps you anticipate the next phase during a match?

19/08/2026

Refereeing is always a work in progress.

Whether it’s positioning, fitness, communication, match control or something completely different, what’s one part of your refereeing you’re trying to improve this season?

Let us know in the comments. Your answer might help another referee reflect on their own development too. 👇

18/08/2026

🎙️ SEPTEMBER MONTHLY DEVELOPMENT SESSION

We’re delighted to welcome Premier League referee Peter Bankes as our special guest for September’s Monthly Development Session.

Peter will lead a session focused on Concentration & Composure, exploring how match officials can maintain their focus, clarity and composure under pressure.

📅 Thursday 3 September 2026
🚪 Doors 7:00pm | Session starts 7:30pm
📍 St Mary’s Social Club, Radcliffe

We look forward to seeing you there.

Develop. Deliver. Belong.