Get to know our Guest Speaker: James Mainwaring

We are thrilled to announce that for our next meeting on Thursday 19th March, Bury & Rochdale RA will welcome home one of our very own: Select Group 1 & FIFA Assistant Referee James Mainwaring.

For those who have been members of the RA for some time, you’ll know that Jimmy’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. From refereeing Under 7s in Lancashire at the age of 14 to officiating in the Premier League and on the International Stage, Jimmy is a testament to what hard work and persistence within our association can achieve.

The Journey to the Top

As Jimmy shared in his member spotlight, his career hasn't been without its "sliding door" moments. He once famously drafted an email to quit as a Level 3 Referee, only for his father to remind him: "People give up not knowing how close they are to achieving their goals."

We are certainly glad he listened. His CV now speaks for itself:

• Select Group 1: A regular fixture on the touchlines of the Premier League.

• FIFA International List: Representing England in Elite UEFA and FIFA Competitions.

• Development Background: Former Referee Development Officer at Lancashire FA and a key figure in PGMO’s E-Learning evolution.

  
  

Main Session - Technical Area Management

This month, Jimmy will be delivering an interactive session on one of the most challenging aspects of the modern game:

Technical Area Management.

Managing the emotions, personalities, and pressures of the dugout is a skill that applies whether you are officiating at Grassroots, Semi Professional or the Professional Game.

• Duration: Approximately 75 minutes.

• Focus: Conflict Resolution, Communication Strategies, Maintaining Composure Under Fire.

• Goal: Practical takeaways that you can apply to your very next game.

Why You Can't Miss It

Whether you are a Trainee, Seasoned Referee or a Veteran, learning from someone who helps manages dugouts on a weekly basis is an invaluable development opportunity. Jimmy’s sessions are known for being engaging, relatable, and packed with "real world" refereeing advice.