Back in September, New Zealand Referee Peter O’Leary, on a 10 day visit from his home country, got more than he bargained for when he found himself replacing fourth official Steve Bennett in the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Sunderland.

To further strengthen the ties between the PGMOL and the New Zealand Football Association we were delighted to have a visit from FIFA Referee Michael Hester and Chairman of the New Zealand Referees’ Committee Rod Pelosi.

Pelosi was so impressed with what the FIFA Referee O’Leary managed to take away from his time in England that he wanted to return to the country and allow Michael to experience the same:

“The development for Peter was immense just mixing with the English Referees was superb,” said the New Zealand Referees’ Committee Chairman.
 
The pair have been able to witness at first hand how the Select Group Referees train and prepare for games. It proved a valuable and eye-opening trip for both of them.

Hester, who like Howard Webb has been selected for the Confederations’ Cup in South Africa, later in the year, has officiated two Premier League Reserve games whilst in the UK and Pelosi credited the involvement of PGMOL General Manager Keith Hackett for allowing Hester to take charge of these matches, and said the experience was enjoyed by all:

“We decided that it would be great if Michael could be involved in actual games so Keith was able to arrange for him to officiate in a couple of Premier League reserve games, Stoke City versus Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa versus West Bromwich Albion, so that was immense.

“Michael was overwhelmed not only with the generosity, but also with the learning curve and the information that the Referees get.”

During their stay they joined in the debate with the Select Group Referees, looking at the big decisions made in the previous two weeks’ games. 

 “We became part of the Select Group as observers, but allowed to speak up - I’m not one for sitting back and not having a word!

“We had a great time and had a lot of stuff to take back to the Referees in New Zealand because we can’t produce information and the quality of DVD’s that ProZone do because we don’t have the money, facilities or the numbers.” They have also been able to see the referees in action during the F.A. Cup semi-finals at Wembley, Premier League and Football League matches.

They also visited ProZone, Acme Whistles, Worcestershire County FA and had a meeting with our Sports Psychologist, Professor Ian Maynard. 

Speaking about Maynard, Rod said: “He was most happy for Michael and I to receive all the information that he gets and sent it to us in New Zealand - and the fallout of that has been huge.

“He’s talked to the fitness trainer and he’s participated in all the fitness stuff which is great.”

They then took a surprise phone call inviting them to attend the Champions League game at Old Trafford to watch the Manchester United versus Arsenal game to round-off their busy trip.

We wish them a safe journey back home in the knowledge that our ties have been strengthened and friendships forged between our referees.