SUFFOLK FA have launched a new initiative called Lockdown Lingo for referees during the current national restrictions.

Each week, the Referees’ Department will be connecting referees by pairing them with a new Lingo Partner.

Suffolk FA Senior Referee Development Officer Alan Dale said: “This might be an existing colleague that they haven’t seen or spoken to in a while, or indeed someone new.

“Along with their partner, referees also receive suggested topics for discussion which they can use when they check-in with each other during the week.

“The aims of the opt-in scheme are to ensure that referees can feel and remain connected to others and reduce the feeling of isolation from the refereeing community.

“One referee who is participating within the scheme said that they joined to continue to feel part of the refereeing community and help those who might be feeling a bit low or isolated at the moment.”

In addition to Lockdown Lingo, Suffolk Referees’ Department have also reintroduced the weekly coffee sessions via Zoom for referees to drop in and say hello to friends and colleagues, with officials receiving a weekly invitation to each meeting.

Suffolk Referees can become involved in Lockdown Lingo by completing the online form here

If you are feeling low or isolated at present, there are also many other professional services which are available which can be found below.

Pictured above are Suffolk officials (left to right) Alistair Shemmings, Jerry Thompson, Dan Barrack and Matt Austen at a County Youth Cup Semi-finals Day at The New Croft in Haverhill.