The NRDP consists of a series of development evenings throughout the season at various locations around Hampshire. The first development evening took place at Fratton Park, the home of Portsmouth Football Club, on Monday 22^nd October 2018.

All those who attended heard an inspirational talk by Lucy Oliver. Lucy qualified as a referee in Hampshire back in 2005. Since then Lucy has progressed through the local leagues, Wessex League and now officiates in the semi-professional men’s game and in the professional women’s game. Lucy has been involved in UEFA matches and the Women’s FA Cup Final. Lucy was able to talk about some of the various challenges that she has faced progressing as a match official, providing attendees with encouragement and guidance in how to respond to set backs. Lucy then showed the room a number of clips which prompted discussion on what the referee did well and what the referee might have done better.

After a short break, Tom Haver and Harry Waldron, both members of the RYC, delivered a fun laws of the game quiz, using questions which were commonly answered incorrectly on referee exams. It was encouraging to see a number of high scores.

After the quiz, Andrew Bailey, Referee Development Officer, deliver a session on the importance of body language and communication. This session explored ways in which referees can improve their body language and what impact that can have on their refereeing.

Tom Haver, Vice Chairman of the RYC, then closed the evening by thanking everyone for their attendance and highlighting the support that the RYC can provide during the season.

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