Issue 16: February, 2010

Top Football Official Keen To
Share Knowledge

Keith Hackett

Keith Hackett

by Maree Mahony

One of the world's top football officials will be offering insights into his sport at a seminar for coaches and referees in Christchurch this month.

Englishman Keith Hackett has refereed at international level as well as FA Cup finals and Premier League matches. After retiring just short of his 50th birthday in 1994, he was appointed as a referees' assessor and then took over as General Manager of the Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) to oversee the development and selection of referees in the Premier League and FA Cup.

The New Zealand Football Referees Association has organised Keith's visit to this country. On Saturday February 27 he will spend some time talking to Mainland Football referees and will then be guest speaker at a function organised by Sport Canterbury.

Mainland Football Referee Development Officer Wayne Stapley says Keith's visit is a unique opportunity for officials from all sports in the region to learn about officiating at the top level.

Keith will be talking about how he handles coaches such as Sir Alex Ferguson who is in his ear a lot of the time, and also about managing players during a game.

"Keith will be talking about how he handles coaches such as Sir Alex Ferguson who is in his ear a lot of the time, and also about managing players during a game."

"He will also talk about Prozone, the in-depth coaching system that they have in Britain. They have cameras at a match focusing on the officials and every second week there is in-depth video analysis at three-day retreats all the top officials attend."

Keith will also address the need for goal-line technology which he is urging Fifa to introduce "to protect the integrity of the game".

Last year Keith stepped down from his role as referees' boss but he is still helping his successor come to grips with the job.

To register for the seminar to be held from 6pm on February 27 at English Park, 127 Cranford St, email:

  • Last week two Auckland referees, Peter O'Leary and Mike Hester, were selected to help officiate at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.