Alan Jefferiss (aka: AJ)
We were saddened to learn Alan Jefferiss (aka AJ), a Harrow RA member for over 25 years, passed away in Northwick Park Hospital on Sunday, 30th January. We send our condolences to his friends and family.

Bob John
We have only recently learned that former treasurer of Harrow RA and Bluebell Railway enthusiast, Bob John passed away on 2nd July 2021 at the age of 87. Bob was treasurer for five years between 1972 and 1977 of what was then the Harrow & District Society of Association Referees. We send our condolences to his friends and family.
You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms.
This page presents information relevant to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
COVID ADVICE for ACTIVE REFEREES
2nd April 2022 update: There is currently a steep rise in Covid infections across the UK. It is thought that close to 1 in 13 will have tested positive in the UK last week, as the latest Omicron 2B variant is 30% more contagious than Omicron A.
So be warned, still take extra care by continuing to use face masks and employ two-metre social distancing, as with the Omicron or Delta variants, having had two doses of the vaccine plus the booster does not stop passing Covid-19 on to others!
TFL has again imposed a condition of carriage on buses and tube trains that masks must be worn, and although there is no longer a legal requirement to wear a face covering, the Government suggests that you continue to wear one in crowded and enclosed spaces, especially where you come into contact with people you do not usually meet.
Eminent Covid Specialist, Dr Neil Bentley gave advice to referees officiating during the pandemic, when he addressed a Zoom meeting hosted by our sister branch, West Middlesex Referees' Association recently.
Neil is currently seconded as deputy Director to lead the COVID-19 Pathogen Genomics Service, which interfaces between PHE and COG-UK to provide genetic sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 virus for the United Kingdom. This service identifies and monitors the different circulating viral variances in the country. This information in turn aids in the assessment to COBRA on how the country responds to the pandemic.
Coronavirus Information
This page presents information relevant to the COVID-19 Pandemic:
- How to order free Coronavirus Rapid Lateral Flow Tests from GOV.UK
- Back to Plan A to fight the Omicron variant: Regularly updated by GOV.UK
- How to stay safe and help prevent the spread: Regularly updated by GOV.UK
- Guidance for Grassroots Sports participants, providers and facility operators during Covid: Regularly updated by GOV.UK
- FA Guidance for Participants and Supporters of grassroots football
- 11 point-summary graphic of main step four guidance: 22.07.21
- GOV.UK: Spring 2021 Roadmap out of lockdown: 22.02.2021
- Working safely during Covid: Regularly updated by GOV.UK
- Coronavirus viability on different surfaces/washing clothes/wash fruit and veg in soapy water
- Information From NHS & BMJ
- Social Distancing
- Letter from Referees’ Association former Chair, Paul Field: 18.03.2020
Information for Season 2021/22
Here is some information for the 2021/22 season below:
- Laws of the game
- Laws of game changes
- FA Grassroots Football Activity during Covid-19
- Gov.UK: Covid-19 Grassroots Sports Update
- Covid-19 summary of guidance for match officials
- Covid-19 guidance for NLS referee observer
- Covid-19 guidance for grassroots referee observer
- Covid-19 guidance for Grassroot match officials
- Covid-19 summary of guidance for match officials
2020-2021 Annual General Meeting & Laws of the Game Quiz
On Thursday 20th May 2021 we finally caught up and hosted our 2020-21 AGM virtually via Zoom in the right month and right year - quite different to our 2019-20 AGM which was delayed until we were confident to be able to hold it virtually in March and in 2021, rather than in May 2020, due to the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. All motions were carried without dissent.
After AGM business (attended by 21 members) and a short break for refreshment, Andy Taylor (pictured above) led the Laws of the Game Quiz, which he devised and which Matthew Dyachuk facilitated, with 14 members staying on to take part. Andy posed ten multi-choice questions for participants to vote on, i.e. select what they thought was the correct answer (and luckily, for some, it was just like a secret ballot) making use of www.live.voxvote.com, which also collated the responses. After each question the Guru, surprised by some of the votings, gave the correct answer, explaining the reasons and as always the Guru's instructive words of wisdom were much appreciated.
Harrow RA members only, but this time all registrations were very closely vetted because at our 2019-20 AGM there was an unwelcome visitor, who interrupted proceedings in a racially abusive way. Details for registering to join the Zoom AGM were e-mailed only to Harrow RA members by the Honorary Secretary. This time they were not available on either our website or on social media.
The AGM and quiz went ahead without incident and was enjoyed by all.
FA Promotion Scheme
Click on the link to find out the update for Promotion Scheme due to covid-19.
Join Harrow RA Team
Harrow RA is offering the opportunity to join the Management Committee. We have two open posts:
- Honorary Youth Referee Development Officer
- Assistant Youth Development Officer
How Can Harrow RA Help?
The Harrow Referees' Association is here to help you through your involvement as a football referee.
Young or old, looking to take the course, an eye on a promotion, being an observer or just wanting to learn and socialise with other match officials the Harrow RA is here to offer support and advice.
In normal times we meet face to face once a month during the season at Rayners Lane FC and offer a number of great opportunities to interact with colleagues at all levels of the Refereeing spectrum. Currently, due to the pandemic, we can only meet via the internet on Zoom.


We Remember
2020 was a very difficult year, with many people dying from Covid-19. We lost four members of Harrow RA, Tony Silverston and Isaac Jempeii. More recently, Bob John, Bluebell Railway enthusiast and Harrow RA treasurer from 1972 to 1977, passed away on 2nd July 2021 at the age of 87, and Alan Jefferiss (aka AJ), a Harrow RA member for over 25 years, passed away in Northwick Park Hospital on Sunday, 30th January 2022. They will be sorely missed.
Help us to improve the Harrow RA Website
Harrow Referee Association continuously is looking to improve its services to support members. We would like to ask you to help us and complete our short survey.
The survey is anonymous and will take you a few minutes and will help us to know your needs better and to improve your experience with Harrow RA website www.harrowreferees.co.uk
Next Steps...
If you would like to be part of this vibrant Referee's Association get in contact with us now or come along to our next meeting.