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PGMOL FOUNDER MEMBERS OF AESO

Officials join forces to form a new organisation

The AESO’s main aims are:

• Improving standards of officiating in sport through inter-sport exchange of ideas and practices

• Developing and supporting a positive image of sports officials

• Engendering a greater appreciation of the dedication of sports officials and their key role in sport

• Assisting sports governing bodies to recruit and retain sports officials, especially amongst females, young people and ethnic minorities The AESO will be chaired by former Premiership and international football referee David Ellery, who believes the idea will be a big success:

"While each sport has its own specific challenges and demands, there are many aspects of refereeing that cut across sports and that is the platform we will build on.

"We have started with the full-time officials in football, cricket and both rugby codes, but anticipate the organisation growing to include senior part-time officials as well as representatives from other sports.”

Lord David Triesman, Chairman of The Football Association, added: “I warmly welcome the formation of the AESO. Elite officials should have the support and resource across sports of those who face similar challenges.

"How officials come into sport, what they learn and how they stay involved is critical to all of us who love our particular game and sporting fairness in general.”

Chris Kelly, Umpires’ Manager at the England & Wales Cricket Board, said: “While the world of sport continues to evolve the officials’ role needs to be given as much support as possible to allow the officials’ development to keep pace with the evolution.

"The AESO is well suited to support this development by providing opportunities for officials to share best practice and to confront the challenges in their sports with new perspectives. The AESO has an opportunity to shape the public perception of officiating which is key to recruitment and retention in all sports.”

Ed Morrison, Head of Elite Referee Development at the Rugby Football Union, added: “On behalf of all Elite Referees in Rugby Union we’re delighted that this initiative has been introduced. All sports can learn from each other and I’m looking forward to working closely and exchanging ideas with football, cricket and rugby league.”

Stuart Cummings, Match Officials Director at the Rugby Football League: “This is an extremely positive move as it is an initiative where by ideas and innovations can be shared to improve officiating standards and recruitment of match officials in all sports.”

Keith Hackett, General Manager of PGMOL: “This new association gives elite match officials the opportunity to meet and discuss various skill sets necessary at the top level of the professional game.

“It was good to listen to the views of Rugby League, Rugby Union and Cricket elite officials to the challenges they face.

“The launch of this Association is a positive move to ensure a greater understanding of the role and responsibility that elite officials are tasked with is communicated to a wider audience.”

The AESO Executive Board Chairman - David Elleray (Football Association), Vice Chairmen - Stuart Cummings (Rugby League), Ed Morrison (Rugby Football Union), Chief Executive Officer - Chris Kelly (England & Wales Cricket Board), Technical Director - Keith Hackett (PGMO, football)

The Active Members Group Football – Mike Riley and Howard Webb, Cricket – Nigel Llong and Richard Kettleborough, Rugby League – Steve Ganson and Phil Bentham, Rugby Union – Chris White and Rob Debney

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