<![CDATA[SOUTH AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL REFEREES ASSOCIATION INC. - News]]>Fri, 28 Jun 2024 03:11:05 +0930Weebly<![CDATA[SAFRA Referee's Current Position - Message from the President of SAFRA]]>Tue, 23 May 2023 14:08:05 GMThttps://www.safra.asn.au/news/safra-referees-current-position-message-from-the-president-of-safra​References to:
1. Football South Australia (FSA) Media release 11 May 2023.
2. South Australia Association Soccer League (SAASL) media release 17 May 2023.
3. SAASL Club President’s message release 22 May 2023.

Message From: President of SAFRA

In the past, when Bill Bailey and Alex Cichanowski were overseeing SAASL games on Saturday and
Sunday, all matches were covered by SAASRA now known as SAFRA.
So, what has changed since that era?
​
Up until the end of season 2018, SAFRA was fully funded by SAASL. When George Fotopoulos took
over as president of SAASL, SAFRA's funding was withdrawn. SAASL has informed SAFRA that the
association needed to be self-funded, and the decision was final with no further negotiation needed.
The SAFRA executive did explain to SAASL that the withdrawal of funding support would cause a
massive increase in the referees‘ membership fees, which eventually would have an effect on match
officials’ enrolment to the association. That assumption by SAFRA management was proven to be
true and correct. In 2019, SAFRA lost about 30% of the membership due to the fee hike. The only
fund that SAASL provided SAFRA (in 2020 and 2021 seasons) was the subsidy of $90 to any new
referee joining SAFRA. The fund provided is partially covering the cost of a new referee’s uniform.

Back in 2019, SAFRA membership fee was estimated to be 50% lower than what FSA was charging.
The membership numbers at that period were around 80 active members. With SAASL’s decision to
revoke the funding support, SAFRA had no choice but to increase the membership fees by 25% more
than FSA (in order to keep up with cost incurred by SAFRA). This fee change has brought negative
reaction. SAFRA membership was dramatically reduced to less than 60 members. Since season 2019,
SAFRA was unable to fill all games in division 4 in lieu of the decrease in number of registered
referees.

In 2020 soccer season was challenging for all involved. In lieu of Covid, SAFRA was informed by SAASL
that clubs were unable to pay the usual/normal referees fees. Instead, SAFRA referees were asked to
support the league by accepting a reduce match fee of $50 per game. Despite the massive reduction
in the match fee, SAFRA supported the league’s decision with little to no resistance from members.

Also, in 2021 season, to ensure every referee in SAFRA received the desired skills and knowledge,
SAFRA had sent its referees to attend certified level 4, 3, and 2 referee courses organised by FSA. The
cost was fully covered by SAFRA with no support from SAASL (Level 4: $120 per person, Level 3: $60
per person, and Level 2: $90 per person). The aim of the certification and re-certification was to
ensure that every referee officiating SAASL games were competent and performing at the level
expected of the league.

For season 2022, SAASL collected around $16,000 from referee levy. Unfortunately, not a cent was
given to SAFRA to use for referee development and recruitment initiatives. However, in 2023, this
referee levy was allocated to club referee training which was not the case when SAFRA was working
with SAASL in the past.

Termination of service between SAASL and SAFRA

On 25 November 2022, SAFRA management and members received a bombshell from FSA thru an
email sent by the Executive Assistant to FSA CEO, Michael Carter, that FSA will be appointing match
officials directly for SAASL matches. The news caught everyone at SAFRA by surprise. In SAFRA
agreement with FSA, it was agreed that SAFRA was SAASL’s referee body to support SAASL’s
tournament and appointing referee to all the club games. The separation between SAFRA and SAASL
has brought a lot of grief to SAFRA referees who had been loyal to the two associations. Majority of
the referees who chose not to register in 2023 felt disappointed at the way how SAFRA was treated.

As President of SAFRA, I was notified via a phone call from FSA’s Operations Manager, George
Georganas, of the change. At no time did SAASL management try to contact SAFRA management to
inform of the new arrangement. FSA did not meet with SAFRA until Monday 20 February 2023,
where it was all confirmed by FSA that SAASL no longer required SAFRA service, and that FSA would
now appoint all referees on behalf of SAASL. In addition, FSA confirmed that the agreement signed
between FSA and SAFRA earlier was null and void or terminated.

The first contact SAFRA management members received from SAASL was on 14 March 2023, six
months after SAASL made their decision to get FSA to appoint referees to all SAASL games (see
George Fotopoulos’s email attached). In light of SAASL’s president statement on Agostino Bivone
involvement with the clubs (on the 22 May 2023, which was incorrect), SAFRA can confirm that
Agostino is no longer a member of SAFRA’s management committee.

SAFRA’s interest in officiating in the league

To keep the referees (those not registered with FSA) engaged and stay reference to the game, SAFRA
is currently appointing this pool of referees to school games. SAFRA has a keen interest (if fully
funded) and confident to fill all games from the premier down to Division 4 on Saturday and Sunday
within SAASL. In long, short, SAFRA are more than happy to return as the amateur league’s referee
body provided that the clubs are still keen on hiring SAFRA referee services. Happy to engage in
further conversation/discussion if necessary.

President of SAFRA
Derek Chapman
23rd May 2023
SAASL Email to SAFRA Management Committee 14 March 2023
File Size: 99 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
]]><![CDATA[A Message from our President regarding the future of SAFRA]]>Sat, 25 Feb 2023 13:30:00 GMThttps://www.safra.asn.au/news/a-message-from-safra-presidentOn Monday 20th February 2023, Mr George Georganas Operation Manager of FSA, informed SAFRA that our Match Official agreement with FSA has been terminated.

This means that SAFRA are no longer an affiliate member of FSA or involved with SAASL, as match official body.

As of today - Friday 24th February 2023, SAFRA is an independent body and available to appoint match officials.


SAFRA will be able to appoint match officials to matches if you require one, any day of the week, with a minimum of 24 hours notice, but the earlier where possible.

Trial games, C Team, Over 35 and Reserve team happy to appoint, and any other competition within South Australia which is being conducted.

We can't appoint match official to any game that is covered by FSA (ie Premier, Division 2 to Division 4 Senior)

If you require a match official please contact our Appointments Officer - Derek Chapman directly via the following.

​appointments@safra.asn.au  or  ww.safra.asn.au/request-a-ref.html

Regards

SAFRA President
]]><![CDATA[End of on Era - 44 Years Officiating SAASL.]]>Wed, 07 Dec 2022 02:37:57 GMThttps://www.safra.asn.au/news/end-of-on-era-44-years-officiating-saaslThe following documents we're circulated to SAFRA Referees last week. See letter below. This was a shock to all involved in SAFRA including both committee and members. A recent meeting with SAASL Board Members had no indication the FSA would be taking over appointments. This would see a relationship spanning over 42 years come to an end. Meetings with SAFRA Management Committee and Members will be undertaken over the coming months to discuss the future direction of the association.
]]><![CDATA[2022 SAFRA Award Winners and 2022 SAASL Cup Final Announcements]]>Mon, 26 Sep 2022 14:30:00 GMThttps://www.safra.asn.au/news/2022-safra-award-winners-and-2022-saasl-cup-final-announcementsMonday 26th September saw SAFRA have their 2022 AGM and Awards Night. This nights also saw us announce the successful members for the 2022 SAASL Cup Finals.
We celebrated the following award Winners.
  • Most Improved Assistant Referee - Mohammed Elfi Iskander Zainal Abiddin
  • Most Promising Assistant Referee - Mohammaed Zafuan Zainal Abiddin
  • Most Improved Referee - Patricio
  • Most Promising Referee - Ackim Malumba
  • President's Award - John Harrison


The following are the successful 2022 SAASL Cup finals appointments
Over 35's Final
  • Referee - Ackim Malumba
  • Assistant Referee 1 - Mohammed Elfi Iskander Zainal Abiddin
  • Assistant Referee 2 - Shannon Beavan
  • Fourth Official - Sam Sith
  • Assessor - David Brandon
Reserve Cup Final
  • ​Referee - Jacky Chang
  • Assistant Referee 1 - Declan Clark
  • Assistant Referee 2 - Talisha Sturt
  • Fourth Official - Leon Hannessen
  • Assessor - Zainal Kassim
Senior Challenge Cup Final
  • ​Referee - Leigh Prior
  • Assistant Referee 1 - Matthew Woithe
  • Assistant Referee 2 - Mohammaed Zafuan Zainal Abiddin
  • Fourth Official - Brad French
  • Assessor - Raymond Grima

We congratulate all members who received awards and those who are appointed to the 2022 SAASL Cup Finals. All the best to those teams competing and out appointment members on Cup Final Day.
]]><![CDATA[Green Shirt Program - Support New Referees]]>Sun, 10 Apr 2022 14:24:42 GMThttps://www.safra.asn.au/news/green-shirt-program-support-new-referees​Have you seen this coloured referee shirt at matches this season? These are our new referees to our association.
​
SAFRA in cooperation with South Australian Amateur Soccer League and Football South Australia have become a part of the Green Shirt Program.
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​Aims of the Green Shirt Program
  • Make new officials easily identifiable, so that they are easy to recognise and support
  • Promote this program to the sports community to raise awareness and increase the recognition and support of new officials
  • Assist in reducing pressure and lessening abuse and conflict directed towards new officials
  • Create a culture of support towards these new officials via the education of players, spectators, coaches and club officials.
If you see Referees wearing this shirt then it's important for you to know that they are beginners. Help us to help you by supporting our new referees.
]]><![CDATA[Alex Cichanowski Shield Appointments]]>Sun, 27 Mar 2022 10:59:55 GMThttps://www.safra.asn.au/news/alex-cichanowski-shield-appointments
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Picture Source: Adelaide United FC - https://adelaideunited.com.au/news/
We will see our referees return to Cooper Stadium as their appointment to the Alex Ciachanowski Shield that is will take place as a precursor to Adelaide United vs Melbourne Victory at Coopers Stadium on Saturday 2nd April 2022. The match will see the Champions SAASL Premier League Saturday, Modbury Jets AFC, take on the Champions of SAASL Premier League Sunday, Elizabeth Downs SC. Kick off 4:10pm.

We will see the following referees appointed.
  • Referee - Kim Massinis
  • Assistant Referee 1 - Patrico Muonz Rufatt
  • Assistant Referee 2 - Mohammed Zainal Abiddin
  • ​4th official - Steve Vlassis
  • Assessor - Ray Grima

​​We congratulate all of our members for appointments and also wish the teams competing the best.
]]><![CDATA[2022 Key Appointments]]>Sun, 20 Mar 2022 08:22:53 GMThttps://www.safra.asn.au/news/march-20th-2022​Key Appointments for 2022 include the following appointments:
  • Association Coach - Andrew Murray
  • Secretary of Assessors - Raymond Grima
  • Assessors
    • Raymond Grima
    • David Brandon
    • Andrew Murray
    • John Harrison
    • Zainal  Kassim and
    • Derek Chapman
Ray Grima will appoint assessors to match officials during the season.
  • Technical Committee
    • Andrew Murray(Chairman)
    • John Harrison
    • Ray Grima
    • Derek Chapman
The Technical committee will select members to be promoted up the divisions and move down, select all match officials for cup quarter finals onward and Cichanowski Shield.

We wish all our members the best and look forward to a great season!!!
]]><![CDATA[SAFRA Referees Appointed to Australia Cup Qualifying Round 1]]>Wed, 16 Mar 2022 12:30:01 GMThttps://www.safra.asn.au/news/safra-referees-appointed-to-australia-cup-qualifying-round-1Congratulations to the following SAFRA members/referees that have been appointed to Qualifying Round 1 of the 2022 Australian Cup matches taking place on Saturday 19th March 2022.
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Adelaide Red Blue Eagles vs Adelaide Hills @ VALO Football Centre - 12:30pm Kick Off
  • Referee -​ Foti Massinis

Pontian Eagles vs Old Ignatians @ Yalumba Reserve - 3:00pm Kick Off
  • Kim Massinis - Referee
  • Francesco Bria - Assistant Referee 2
​
Adelaide Blue Eagles vs Northern Demons @ Marden Sports Complex - 1:30pm Kick Off
  • Patrico Muonz Rufatt - Assistant Referee 1
  • Ackim Mulumba - Assistant Referee 2

Modbury Vista vs Rostrevor Old Collegians @ Newspot Stadium - 3:00pm Kick Off
  • Bradley French - Referee

BOSA FC vs Noarlunga United @ Charles Cane Reserve - 7:00pm Kick Off
  • Mohammed Zafuan - Assistant Referee 1
  • Mohammed Elfi Iskandar- Assistant Referee 2

We wish them all the best during their respective matches.
]]><![CDATA[2022 Life Member Inductees]]>Sat, 12 Mar 2022 13:40:09 GMThttps://www.safra.asn.au/news/2022-life-member-inducteesOur February General meeting saw the addition of three new inductee into our existing membership - Steve Vlassis, Steve Gregan and Geoff Murch.
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Steve Gregan
Steve joined the  SAFRAn in the year 1998  after his playing career at Murray Bridge United ended where he was honoured with Life Membership. Steve joined our Committee and acted as Appointments Secretary from 2012-2015, and Association Secretary from  2016-2017. During his Refereeing career he reached level 2.
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Steve Vlassis
Steve joined the  SAFRA in the year 2000,  after finishing his playing career at M.A Hawks. Steve joined the Associations Committee, approximately 16 years ago, and has been involved in organising Social Functions during this time. Steve started as a 3 P and worked his way up to reach level 1. His work ethic over the years has been outstanding. He is currently still active in refereeing.
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Geoff Murch
Geoff joined SAFRA in 1987, after finishing his playing career at Maddison Park. Geoff joined our Management Committee in the 1990’s and was elected as Association Treasurer, serving 12 years in that position from 1993 to 2004. Geoff was a member for 18 years, before ill health forced his retirement. Due to Geoff’s dedicated service, he is a worthy recipient of Life Membership.
We thank Steve Gregan, Steve Vlassis and Geoff Murch for the contribution to SAFRA both as referees and there service to our organisation in the committee. Their commitment and time has been greatly appreciated and we are proud to honour them with Life Membership.
]]><![CDATA[Upcoming Referee Development Training]]>Fri, 05 Nov 2021 03:29:41 GMThttps://www.safra.asn.au/news/upcoming-referee-development-training​FSA Referee’s Department is happy to announce that we will be running both a level 4 referee course on 12th December and level 3 referee upgrade course on 5th December this year in preparation for the 2022 season.
Please feel welcome to pass on this information to anyone you know that may be interested in refereeing!
 
You can view and register for the courses through our website here: https://www.footballsa.com.au/referee-resources
Please note, in order to register for the level 3 course 5th December you must be a registered level 4 referee (if you are having any issues with registering please let me contact our President, Derek Chapman, president@safra.asn.au.]]>