Following the exchanges between PGMOL and JFA in the spring, Premier League referee, Mr. Andrew Madley visited Japan this time to officiate J.League and international friendly matches. During his stay, he shared the latest information and his own experience with Japanese referees and referee instructors, such as the conditioning methods for referees at one of the most competitive leagues in the world as well as considerations points during matches.
In addition, he participated in an online seminar with young referees who aim to become international referees in the future and delivered the presentation of preparation such as the importance of “control controllable” and how to build relationships with players during matches.
On rest days, he also enjoyed Japanese culture by visiting temples and trying all kinds of Japanese food.

Appointments

Comment from Referee

Andrew Madley Referee
On the 1st of June I arrived in Tokyo after a 15-hour flight from London. Having never been to Japan before I wasn’t sure what to expect. One thing I did know, is that I would be very well taken care of by my colleagues at JFA and this proved to be the case!

Primarily I was in Japan on a referee exchange to share my experiences and skills with Japanese referees and also to learn from their experiences and pick up some new skills in return. I thoroughly enjoyed the style and atmosphere of the football in the J-League. The 2 games I referees were Urawa Red Diamonds v Kashima Antlers and Gamba Osaka v FC Tokyo. Both games went well and I really enjoyed the respect in which the games were played. Respect from the fans and players towards me and each other is something I would very much like to see in England!
My final game was a match in the Kirin Cup between Japan and El Salvador. A very lively start saw a goal, a penalty, a red card and a second goal all within the first 4 minutes!!

I also visited many places in Japan. From the busy streets of Tokyo and the views from the Sky Tree to the temple at Asakusa below which was very enjoyable.
I also visited Osaka and Kyoto. Kyoto is simply beautiful! When I pictured Japan before my visit, this is how I pictured it. Beautiful temples and pagodas, gardens with amazing trees and views a plenty. This is exactly how it was, and I was genuinely touched at this breathtaking side of Japan.

I wanted to experience as much of Japanese culture as possible including the food, which, I absolutely adored!!! Everything I tried was amazing! There was not one thing I tried and didn’t like! I also improved not only my refereeing skills, but my skills with chopsticks!

Finally, and certainly not least, are the many, many friends I have made in Japan. Being met by Ogawa at the airport and Rika at my hotel, we then went to YUME field and met Kenji and everyone else who works there. I also had a chance to meet Mr. Miyamoto, General Secretary of JFA, and J.League Chairman Mr. Nonomura. In my 2 weeks I have honestly met some of the most amazing people who have taken care of me. From the referees, assistants, 4th officials and VAR teams to the many coaches and assessors who have all had a tremendous input in my development as not only a referee but as a person whilst in Japan. Whilst I would like to thank everyone personally on here, I would simply say, I loved every second of my time spent with each and every one of you.

My time in Japan came to an end on the 17th of June when I returned to England with a suitcase full of beautiful and thoughtful gifts for my wife, my children and myself. I/we are all so grateful for your generosity. This will certainly not be my last visit to Japan! I loved the whole experience which would not have been possible without the care of my colleague from JFA

Thank you

The purpose of the exchange program is to mutually provide refereeing experience and training opportunities in different cultures and match environments, with the aim of improving refereeing in the future and promoting friendly relations between the two countries.