The appointment of referees, assistant referees, fourth officials, and VAR operators in the English Premier League is managed by a company known as Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).
Founded in 2001, PGMOL operates independently and is jointly owned by the English FA, The Premier League, and the Football League.
The main role of PGMOL is to oversee the entire process of recruitment, training, development, and deployment of professional football referees in England.
Since the professionalization of referees in 2001, PGMOL has played a central and integral role in the officiating of professional football in England.
The company is dedicated to ensuring that England produces and uses the best referees.
This responsibility is particularly crucial considering the high status of the EPL as the most prominent football league in the world, where the outcome of matches can have significant financial implications.
The precise appointment of officials by PGMOL is aimed at maintaining the highest standards of officiating in a league where millions of pounds can hinge on a single decisive whistle blow.
What Does PGMOL Do?
Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) is responsible for overseeing and managing the match officials, particularly referees, in professional football in England.
They carefully curate a list of referees deemed eligible to oversee matches in the League, collectively referred to as “The Select Group.”
This elite group is chosen based on a thorough evaluation of their performance, experience, fitness levels, and strict adherence to the laws of the game.
Within “The Select Group,” there even more exclusive subset known as “Select Group One,” comprising approximately 25 officials who are regarded as the best in England.
Here are the key functions and responsibilities of PGMOL
Recruitment
PGMOL is involved in the recruitment of referees, assistant referees, fourth officials, and VAR (Video Assistant Referee) operators. The company aims to identify and bring in individuals with the potential to become top-tier officials in English football.
Training and Development
They are responsible for the training and development of match officials.
This includes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for officiating professional football matches. The training programs are designed to enhance decision-making, positioning, fitness, and overall officiating capabilities.
Deployment
The company decides which match officials are assigned to officiate specific matches.
The deployment process involves considering factors such as the officials’ performance, form, and suitability for the teams involved. The goal is to appoint the most qualified and competent officials for each match.
Performance Assessment
PGMOL regularly assesses the performance of match officials.
This assessment includes reviewing key decisions made during matches, analyzing positioning, and evaluating overall match control. Performance reviews help identify areas for improvement and contribute to the continuous development of officials.
Rotation Policy
It implements a rotation policy when assigning officials to matches.
This policy prevents officials from being assigned to matches involving teams with which they may have personal or professional affiliations, ensuring impartiality and fairness.
VAR Operations
With the introduction of VAR in the Premier League, PGMOL is also involved in the selection and training of VAR officials. The company ensures that VAR operators work in tandem with on-field officials to review and, if necessary, correct decisions made during a match.
Maintaining Standards
They play a major role in maintaining high standards of officiating in professional football.
The company is committed to ensuring that England produces and utilizes the best referees in the world, considering the global prominence of the English Premier League.
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How And When Are Referees Selected For Matches?
The unveiling of match officials appointed for Premier League fixtures is a routine schedule, normally every Monday.
However, in the event of a Monday match, these announcements are deferred until the following Tuesday. The responsibility for appointing officials falls under the purview of the Professional Game Match Officials Board, specifically selecting referees from the esteemed Select Group to oversee Premier League matches.
In making these appointments, PMGOL considers several key factors.
These include the referee’s experience, their current performance trends, the frequency of their involvement in matches featuring the respective clubs, any potential team affiliations the referee may have, and upcoming international commitments.
For those eager to stay abreast of the latest developments in Premier League match officiating, a comprehensive record of official appointments is readily available on the league’s official platform.
This transparency ensures that stakeholders and fans alike have access to pertinent information regarding the referees presiding over the high-stakes matches in the Premier League.
What Does PGMOL Do To Support The Select Group?
A strong support team, similar to what you’d find in any football club, is in place to improve referee performance and ensure their well-being.
This team consists of specialized professionals such as sports scientists, sports psychologists, performance analysts, operational assistants, physiotherapists, sprint coaches, podiatrists, and vision scientists.
These professionals work together to cover different aspects of referee performance.
Sports scientists focus on physical conditioning, sports psychologists contribute to mental resilience, performance analysts use technology for detailed match analysis, operational assistants handle logistical aspects, physiotherapists provide medical support, sprint coaches enhance agility, podiatrists focus on foot health, and vision scientists contribute to visual acuity.
Technology, particularly through Opta, a leading statistical data provider for football matches, plays a big role in this support structure.
Opta’s comprehensive statistical information helps the support team in evaluating various aspects of a match, providing insights that contribute to the ongoing improvement of referee performance.
This integrated approach, blending human expertise with technological support, reinforces a commitment to ensuring that football match officials have access to the best resources for their continuous development and success on the field.
Who is in charge of PGMOL?
Howard Webb, a former Premier League referee, currently serves as the head of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), where he is responsible for overseeing operations and management.
Webb’s officiating career spanned 11 years in the top tier of English football, during which he officiated almost 300 Premier League matches before retiring in 2014.
Webb’s achievements include officiating in prestigious competitions and finals.
Particularly, in 2010, he refereed both the World Cup and Champions League finals, showing his expertise on an international stage.
Also, he took charge of the League Cup and FA Cup finals in 2007 and 2009, respectively, further solidifying his standing as a top-tier referee.
His transition from the field to a leadership role within PGMOL is evidence not only of his experience and success as a referee but also of his dedication to contributing to the development and management of match officials in football.
Webb leads training programs, workshops, and mentorships to improve referee skills across England.
Actively assessing referee performance, Webb structures processes for improvement.
In liaising with stakeholders like clubs and football bodies, Webb’s expertise in the laws of the game ensures consistent rule interpretation.
PGMOL’s Leadership Team
| Individual | Role |
|---|---|
| Howard Webb | Chief Refereeing Officer |
| Danielle Every | Chief Operating Officer |
| Adam Gale-Watts | Technical Director |
| Jon Moss | Select Group 1 Director |
| Mike Jones | National Group Director |
| Bibi Steinhaus-Webb | Select Group Women’s Professional Game Director |
| Wayne Allison | Coaching Director |
| Steve McNally | Performance Support Director |
| Kevin Friend | Select Group 2 Manager |
Every Select Group 1 referee in 2023/24
| Referee | First Premier League Season |
|---|---|
| Stuart Attwell | 2008/09 |
| Peter Bankes | 2019/20 |
| Darren Bond | 2022/23 |
| Tom Bramall | 2022/23 |
| John Brooks | 2021/22 |
| David Coote | 2017/18 |
| Darren England | 2020/21 |
| Jarred Gillett | 2021/22 |
| Tony Harrington | 2021/22 |
| Simon Hooper | 2015/16 |
| Robert Jones | 2019/20 |
| Chris Kavanagh | 2016/17 |
| Andy Madley | 2017/18 |
| Michael Oliver | 2010/11 |
| Craig Pawson | 2012/13 |
| Tim Robinson | 2019/20 |
| Michael Salisbury | 2021/22 |
| Graham Scott | 2014/15 |
| Anthony Taylor | 2009/10 |
| Paul Tierney | 2014/15 |
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