County cup appointments

Never before have I been given so many county cup ties in a season, both middle and line.

In my previous county I think I only ever done 6 county cup matches, majority youth matches, in 10 years - though was on the line for Sunday Junior cup final (mens) in my final season with them. Had already let them know I was moving so maybe it was a swan song for my service but I'm thinking more my marks.

Last season, and first season with my current county, I done just one county cup tie, a first round tie in fact.

This season I've had 3 middles and 3 lines, and another line next week. Though one of those middles was yesterday and didn't actually kick off but either way I was still appointed it.

That's as many in one season than all other seasons combined.

Does anyone know why this may be? I'm far from complaining, but it's just really odd (for me). As said, I've gone from barely any to loads. Even got a women's FA Cup match recently (line) and I'm a 7 going for 6.

Presume you did your fitness test and they know you're fit and on the promotion ladder, so they're giving you games? Any assessments on those matches by chance?

RobOda said:

Presume you did your fitness test and they know you're fit and on the promotion ladder, so they're giving you games? Any assessments on those matches by chance?

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No fitness test for 7 to 6.

Had one assessment on a county cup tie, above standard normal match.
Promotion ladder games I can understand but 4 lines too. As said, not complaining but just wondering why I am getting more when previously I've been overlooked all the time.

Basically, you've gone from being off radar with your county to being known (and by the looks of it trusted). I'd guess that the appointing officer for the County Cup games is also the person who helps the FA with early round appointments to their competitions (like the Women's FA Cup) as well. It's a good example of where making one commitment (like going for promotion) can get you more generally noticed and appreciated. Enjoy it

I am also going for promotion Level 7 to 6 and notices the same. I have had 2 pre-lim round Womens FA Cup games as AR, 2 sunday county cup games as ref and a 2 saturday county cup game as AR. Also been given better standard games in higher divisions on the 3 leagues I ref in. Good to be noticed and I must be doing something right!

@Russell Jones the appointing officer on the Saturday League I ref in also allocates for county cup and early round FA cup games. I agree that has helped!

ladbroke8745 said:

No fitness test for 7 to 6.

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Oh, that's a surprise. For me, it used to be you had to do the fitness test for 7-6 in Wales when we had that numbering scheme. Learn something new everyday.

Well, as Russell says, you're probably known and trusted now. Enjoy the appointments and best of luck with the promotion.

There's two reasons. It gives you experience of different teams from competitions that you don't normally officiate on, which is good for development. More importantly, CFA's have major problems with referees kicking back county appointments, they know that promotion candidates are likely to be more committed, and are less likely to knock them back as it could affect their promotion chances.

My Saturday OA RefSec nominates us
The early rounds are no different from a regular appointment
I'd probably rather swerve a lot of the youth CC games because many are uncompetitive and i'm not enthralled by younger age group appointmens as the games generally tame

RustyRef said:

There's two reasons. It gives you experience of different teams from competitions that you don't normally officiate on, which is good for development. More importantly, CFA's have major problems with referees kicking back county appointments, they know that promotion candidates are likely to be more committed, and are less likely to knock them back as it could affect their promotion chances.

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So basically I'm being used because no one else wants them.
I don't mind the games but don't really need to be experiencing more leagues. With out county cup I am on 6 already and only one is youth football and never get anything less than 17s.

Big Cat said:

My Saturday OA RefSec nominates us
The early rounds are no different from a regular appointment
I'd probably rather swerve a lot of the youth CC games because many are uncompetitive and i'm not enthralled by younger age group appointmens as the games generally tame

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I haven't done a youth cc game and have said I prefer not to do youth football.
Don't mind 17s and 18s as it's at an age where some are competitive compared to lower ages and they don't excite me. I know it sounds mean but I'd rather see the younger, newer refs take them on for the experience.

ladbroke8745 said:

I prefer not to do youth football

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I like the difficult OA games for certain reasons, but i also enjoy youth games for completely different reasons! I hardly ever get appointed to kids younger that 16, so the games are challenging at times. My card count is similar for both formats believe it or not, although this must just be an anomaly which won't last
Problem with youth County Cup, is I can get a younger age group and a lower standard of football. Just the way it goes