Pembrokeshire Society presentation to Steve Crossman

Steve Crossman receives an award from Pembrokeshire Referees' Society in recognition and appreciation of his work as
Secretary of RAW.

Pembrokeshire Referees’ Society L-R back row Dave Badger (Acting Secretary) Jonathan Twigg (Vice Chairman) L-R front row Chris Stapleton (Acting Chairman) Dave Brandon Local cricket umpire Dave Brandon, who has had first class experience on the cricket field, entertained Pembrokeshire referees at their recent March meeting and captivated his audience with an inspiring, informed and enjoyable presentation which evoked many intriguing points.

With a brief for the night of passing on his experience of man management to the local whistlers Brandon emphasised the requirements of being seen to do something, which in some cases may be taking no action at all.  He emphasised the key points of consistency, reflection and honesty, which alongside a thorough knowledge of the laws of the game would establish respect from the players and officials of clubs.  He follows his beliefs with the adage, ‘to consider what you have left behind for the next official’ as his start and end point for every game.  Through his personal organisation in preparation for matches Brandon has respect from players and other umpires on the cricketing front, which has seen him become instrumental in the recruitment and training of budding umpires.

The evening progressed through a jovial discussion on the difference in the speeds of the two games officials are involved in, technology and how it helps and hinders umpires, and where the future is for both sports at a local and international level. Chairman Chris Stapleton on behalf of the twenty five-plus members present presented Brandon with a bottle of Irish water for his troubles.  Vice-Chairman Jonathan Twigg praised the proactive work of the society officers in welcoming the cricket umpire to the training night as he said,
“Dave’s presence follows the attendance at a meeting last year of local rugby referee, Ben Cole, where both speakers left a number of useful ideas for members to chew the fat over in forthcoming weeks.”

The members are switching their next meeting (Friday 9th April) from the regular HQ of Neyland Athletic Club to Heatherton Sports and Country Park near Tenby, where they will be welcomed by proprietor Charles Davies for a 6.30 p.m. kick off.  The whistlers have also arranged their Senior Cup Final breakfast for Saturday 17th April at the Friar Vaults Haverfordwest in what has now become an established ritual for honouring the Cup final referee and his fellow officials.  Further details on either event can be obtained from Jonathan Twigg by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Bob Smith Chairman’s Award.

I was asked about our Chairman’s Award named after Bob Smith. It can be awarded to any member of our Association (Monmouthshire), active or non active during the season for any of the following:

Work for our Association, Refereeing during the season, anything the Chairman feels the member has done to enhance our Association.
The Chairman solely makes the decision.

Bob started refereeing in the Newport & District League in 1945, after Playing Welsh League Football for Tredomen Works.

Promotion followed:-

• 1947 Welsh League Linesman.
• 1948 Welsh League Referee.
• 1949 Football Combination Supplementary List.
• 1950 Football League Linesman.
• 1952 Football League Supplementary List.
• 1952 – 1964: Bob was a Football League Referee, when he reached the age limit.
• 1958/59: President of the Association of Football League Referees and Linesman. He was the first Welshman to hold this high office.
• 1968: Football League Assessor. From when the scheme started in 1968. (Assessor for 20 years)
• 1969: Received the Meritorious Service Award from the National Referees Association.
• 1972: Received the Notorious Service Award from the Association of Football League Referees and Linesman.
• 1984: National Referees Association Conference honoured Bob with the Highest honour the Referees Association can give a member the Life Membership.

Bob always found the time to attend out Association Meetings. During 45 years Bob was a member, he held the following positions – President, Chairman, Vice Chairman, Honorary Secretary, and EC Member for Gwent.

Please note that the email address for the Central Wales RAW Rep has changed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it