In attendance at the Seminar was Ken Clark ( Chairman of the DFA Referee’s Committee) John Morton ( DFA Referee’s Committee ), Jeff Russell ( Referee Development Officer) and Guest Speaker Sebastian Stockbridge, Football League Referee, who delivered an excellent session on “ Preparation for the Big Day” along with a very tough and challenging Laws of the Game Test.

The County’s top game is the prestigious Durham Challenge Cup Final which will be played on Wednesday 3rd May 2017, Kick Off, 7.30pm at Hartlepool FC between EBAC Northern League sides Billingham Synthonia FC and South Shields FC. Match officials for the game will be Glen Hart ( Referee ), Alex Clark and Gavin Scott ( Assistant Referee ) and Paul Newhouse ( 4th Official ). Interesting to note following Glens appointment he and his Dad, former Premier League Referee Robbie Hart have become the first father and son to referee the Cup Final. Robbie refereed the Challenge Cup Final in season 1977/1978 with Ryhope being the victorious winners in a replay against Brandon United.

Rebecca Welch becomes the first woman to referee the County Sunday Cup and this is the first season we have had a father and son appointed as referees to County Cup Finals with Ian Ross refereeing the Under 13 Cup Final and his son Sam refereeing the Trophy Final, a real special family double.


Left to Right: John Morton, Ian Ross, Seb Stockbridge, Sam Ross,  Ken Clark

Referee Development Officer Jeff Russell commented at the end of the night that the evening had been an excellent success giving all chosen officials the chance to meet up prior to their respective Cup Finals and appreciate their reward at being selected for their County Cup Final.  There had been a total of 506 Referee Appointments plus 170 Assistant Referees in this year’s County Cup Competitions and all players. Officials, spectators are looking forward to some cracking games ahead.

Company Secretary, John Topping added ‘The appointment to a County Cup final is a reward for an excellent season for the officials and I am sure they will play the part in what is the highlight of the season for them and the teams taking part’. 

Pictured with Ken, John Morton and Sebastian are 34 of the Referees who were able to attend the Seminar and the full list of appointments and dates of the venues are as follows:-

Durham County FA Challenge Cup Final Match Officials
Left to Right: John Morton, Gavin Scott, Paul Newhouse, Seb Stockbridge, Glen Hart, Alex Clark and Ken Clark

Durham County FA Trophy Final Match Officials

Left to Right: John Morton, Dan Ranson, Sam Ross, Seb Stockbridge, Mark McMahon, Jack Gordon and Ken Clark

Durham County FA Minor Cup Final and Sunday Cup Final Match Officials

Left to Right: John Morton, David Fittes, Thomas Jukes, Seb Stockbridge, Lewis Reynolds, Barry Mudd and Ken Clark

Durham County FA Women's Cup Final Match Officials

Left to Right: John Morton, Matthew Carroll, Dan Mahmoodshahi, Seb Stockbridge, Joseph Shepherd, John Davison and Ken Clark

Durham County FA Youth Cup Final Match Officials

Left to Right: John Morton, Joe Pringle, Mark Bell, Seb Stockbridge, Ryan Bird, Jonathan Schofield and Ken Clark

Durham County FA Under 18's Sunday Cup Final Match Officials

Left to Right: John Morton,Rob Denton, Seb Stockbridge, Ashley Cooper, Jordan Nicholson and Ken Clark

Durham County FA Youth Minor Cup Final Match Officials

Left to Right: John Morton, Kieran McCord, Matthew Davidson, Seb Stockbridge, Kieran Downey, Jack Herriot and Ken Clark

Durham County FA Under 14's Cup Final Match Officials

Left to Right: John Morton, Aaron Morton, Seb Stockbridge, Gavin Sloanes, Michael Crowe and Ken Clark

Durham County FA Under 13's Cup Final Match Officials

Left to Right: John Morton, Ivan Rowell, Ian Ross, Seb Stockbridge, Kieran Oliver and Ken Clark

You can find full details of all Durham County FA Cup Finals by clicking here: www.DurhamFA.com/news/2017/mar/durham-county-fa-cup-finals-details-announced