Eleven Essex referees have been recognised for their progressive approach and commitment with an elevation in the latest round of mid-season promotions.

A list has been shared detailing the officials who have been moved up thanks to high levels of development and their dedication to improving standards. The main difference between a mid-season and an end-of-season promotion is the referee has the opportunity to progress onto the next scheme and, potentially, achieve a ‘double jump’ in the refereeing levels.

These announcements followed a Promotions Panel Meeting at the Essex County FA consisting of current and former referees, working with information gathered by Referee Observers. Development Officer Lukas Wood, who works alongside George Lowe in the County FA’s Referees Department, paid tribute to the successful candidates.

He explained: “For a referee to be considered for a mid-season promotion they must have met the criteria for the current promotion scheme they are on by the ‘mid-way’ point of the season, which was the 31st October. All referees on the Level 6 to 5 and 7 to 6 schemes were eligible. However, it is dependent on whether they met the criteria.”

He also wished to congratulate the match officials for their efforts, as well as the many volunteers involved in the promotion scheme: “To achieve this shows that the referees have displayed the desire to progress and that they’re able to referee at the higher level of the game. I’d like to thank all of our observers who have supported these referees to make progress.”

Find out more about the referee promotion process in Essex, or how to become a match official, in the 'Referees' menu above. Information is also regularly shared on Twitter @EssexCountyFA and @EssexReferees and by searching for ‘EssexFootball’ on Facebook.

Referees Promoted to Level 5 - Senior County Referee: Robert Giles (Colchester), Joshua O’Sullivan (Basildon), Benjamin Ridge (Braintree), Glen Taylor (Chelmsford), Abdul Wahid (Newham).

Referees Promoted to Level 6 - County Referee: George Barker (Havering), Charlie Duggins-Jones (Maldon), Matthew Pointer (Castle Point), Daniel Ripton (Southend-on-Sea), Luke Smith (Braintree), Joseph Turnpenny (Basildon).