Officials from our County will lead the teams out for The FA Sunday Cup, FA Vase, FA Youth Cup and The FA Cup Final. The appointments, for Jon Moss, Mark Haywood and brothers Bobby and Andy Madley represent a momentous achievement for West Riding County F.A.

Following his appointment to referee The FA Cup Final on 30 May, Jon Moss commented

“It was a complete surprise. When I got the call it was the realisation of a dream really. For any referee it is the pinnacle of your career,” he said.

He added: “As a young boy I used to watch The FA Cup Final with my dad. We always had the programme and we went to a couple of Finals at Wembley.

“You dream about playing in a Final as a boy but I’ve dreamed about refereeing as I got older. Referees are no different to players and you strive always to get those massive games.”

The 44-year-old from Leeds has been awarded the chance to officiate under the arch after a season of consistent performances at Premier League level. He refereed his first game as a teenager, but only started to focus on officiating when a career which started with Sunderland’s youth team, took in Connecticut State University in the US and then Millwall, came to an end.

“At 18 I refereed my first game. I would be playing most of the weekend but I would do junior games on the Sunday afternoon. I was playing until I was 29. But when my career ended it was my love for football that encouraged me to focus on refereeing.”

“I was a teacher at the time and it was something I used to do after school. It came from there and bit-by-bit you get promoted, and then it becomes your career.”

Moss continues to teach one day a week as an executive head at Beech Hill School in Halifax but has been a professional referee since 2011. Despite his professional duties, Moss also feels a duty to serve our grassroots game

“I still like to do grassroots football. I did a junior game last Sunday after my game at Crystal Palace. Refereeing top-flight football and grassroots football have their own challenges. With Premier League football everything is magnified and every decision you make is under scrutiny.

“I think it is important for younger referees to see more experienced colleagues doing a junior game. It was lovely for me to referee on Sunday. It keeps you grounded.”

As well as Jon’s success, two of our referee development team have also earned cup final honours this season. Referee Development Officers Bobby Madley and Mark Haywood will officiate the FA Youth Cup Final and FA Sunday Cup respectively. Added to this, Andy Madley will take charge of the FA Vase Final on 9th May at Wembley.

Mark commented “On a personal level It really is a privilege to receive such an appointment. On top of that, for 4 out of the 6 major finals to be officiated by West Riding Referees, well that’s a truly fantastic achievement! As much as these appointments are proud moments for Bobby, Jon, Andy and I, we all really hope that they serve to motivate young referees in the county to show what they can aspire to”

On hearing the news, David Fuller, Chairman of the Referee’s Committee and Life Vice President of the West Riding County FA remarked “I’m somewhat lost for words. It’s a great achievement for us as a county. I know Bobby and Andy were brought up in the Heavy Woollen area and their success is wonderful to see. Added to that, having Mark and Jon representing the association in major finals is a truly brilliant achievement.”

Appointments

FA CUP FINAL 30th May 2015
Arsenal v Aston Villa
Wembley Stadium
Jon Moss

FA SUNDAY CUP 26th April 2015
Campfield v OJM
Ewood Park
Mark Haywood

FA YOUTH CUP FINAL 27th April 2015
Chelsea v Man City
Stamford Bridge
Bobby Madley

FA VASE 9th MAY 2015
Glossop North End v North Shields
Wembley Stadium
Andy Madley