This is significant recognition for BARA, as the first of 200 RA's across the UK to be awarded the Gold Standard. QUEST (QUality Excellence STandard) for “delivering excellence” enables all Associations affiliated to The Referees’ Association (RA), regardless of size or location, an equal opportunity to share in best practice and gain recognition for achieving a standard of service and support which is recognised by both The RA and The Football Association (FA).

The association covers an area from Selby across to Sherburn in Elmet, Garforth, Tadcaster and Wetherby, all within the Barkston Ash FA district. With such a large territory, BARA has faced it's fair share of challenges over the years and owes it's recent success to a number of major transformations. 

Chairman Ian Smellie commented

“There was a time when we really used to struggle to get people to come to our meetings. We’d get maybe half a dozen members attend, and when new people came they inevitably didn’t come back.

This prompted us to make some real changes, and I think the key decision we made was getting outside of pubs & clubs. This inevitably attracted younger members who have been motivated to stay with us.

We have transformed the attitude towards the RA, with a much stronger focus on fitness training and developing behaviours and professionalism. I think the parents of the younger members recognise that we’re developing referees on and off the field, and we’re keen for this to continue”

BARA have chosen to celebrate their success alongside a Referee Development Event taking place on Monday 21st March, with esteemed guests Mike Riley (ex FIFA list referee) and national RA chairman Paul Field in attendance.

John Key, BARA secretary said

“This is the most significant event for BARA in its 90-year history. As one of the smallest RA's in the country, we have literally set standard in excellence across all aspects of refereeing on and off the field. We are all about developing not just the referee, but the individual”.

West Riding County FA would like to send our congratulations to BARA on their truly remarkable achievement.