Cup final joy for match official
17th June, 2015
Congratulations to Toolstation NCEL match official Jane Simms who has been appointed as an assistant referee for this summer's SSA FA Women's Cup Final.
Chelsea take on Notts County at Wembley, the first time the final has been played at the national stadium, on 1st August, 2015.
Jane, who took charge of the Toolstation NCEL League Cup Final between Cleethorpes Town and Handsworth Parramore last month, will be on the touchline with Natalie Aspinall whilst the referee will be Amy Fearn and the fourth official will be Rebecca Welch.
Upon the appointment of the quartet for the match, FA Referees' Committee Chairman David Elleray said: "I am exceptionally pleased that the first FA Women's Cup Final to be played at Wembley will be controlled by four Women officials.
"I congratulate Amy, Natalie, Jane and Rebecca on their appointment to what will be an historic occasion.
"As this is the first time that the Women's Cup Final is being played at Wembley, The FA Referees' Committee decided to appoint officials who have officiated in the Final before.
"This is highly unusual as there is an 'unwritten rule' that an official does not act in the same role in any FA Final more than once.
"But we unanimously agreed that our top Women officials should have the opportunity of officiating at a Wembley final and that it should benefit from being controlled by such a talented and experienced team."
Sue Hough MBE, Chairman of The FA Women's Committee, added her own congratulations. She said: "I am delighted that the Women's Cup Final will take place at the home of football, Wembley Stadium, for the first time.
"It is testament to the development of the women's game and the appointment of four female match officials shows that the increase in both the quality and quantity of female referees is part of this development.
"Congratulations to Amy, Natalie, Jane and Rebecca on their deserved selection."
(Story Source: The FA)