Two stalwarts of the Angus & Perthshire referees association with over 90 years combined service recently received honorary life memberships for their commitment, support and service.
Dougie Fordyce and John Hayman were both delighted to receive their certificates from our President Chris Fordyce last week.
Dougie began refereeing in 1964 and has played a significant role in the allocation and re-allocation of officials across all grass roots levels and leagues in our area over many years.
John joined our Association after moving to the area in 1985, having started refereeing in Hereford three years previously in 1982. Many referees have benefitted from John’s advice and guidance over numerous years as a Development Advisor.
President Chris Fordyce said: ”Dougie - or Dad as I know him - has gave so much to refereeing and I’ve witnessed first-hand my whole life how committed he is, in particular to our Angus and Perthshire Association. Among other things, his efforts and commitment to ensuring the allocation and re-allocation of officials across all grass roots levels and leagues in our area over the years has been insurmountable. He’s even being known to magically disappear from family gatherings to cover last minute call-offs himself just to make sure games got played.
”John has impacted the careers of so many referees in our association. On a personal level, I’ve never forgotten the fact that John refereed my first match playing Junior at the tender age of fifteen, and effectively talked a young and extremely excitable goalie through the whole game. Then since taking up refereeing myself, like countless others past and present, I have benefitted tremendously from John’s guidance as a Development Advisor. His coaching is always constructive, and most importantly positive, and aimed towards not only improving the referee, but also having that personal touch to be supportive through those more trying situations that we all face at some point.
”It was my absolute privilege this week to be able to present these two stalwarts of our Association with Honorary Life Membership Certificates. On behalf of everyone in the Angus and Perthshire Association, it gives me great pleasure to pass on our sincerest thanks to Dougie and John for their years of service and continued support.”
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