Chief Executive & President

The Scottish FA hosted its second Council Debate at Hampden Park on Wednesday, with Labour MSP Hugh Henry, SNP MSP Bob Doris, Fraser Wishart chief executive of PFA Scotland, Stewart Harris, chief executive of sportscotland, Neil Bone, council member of Supporters Direct, Ewing Grahame from the Scottish Football Writers Association and Alistair Gray from Renaissance & Co. They discussed “To what extent can football help drive a social and health revolution around the recommendation of 10,000 hours of football training for play development?”

Disciplinary

Two Player References (Claims of Wrongful Dismissal) were considered this week by the Judicial Panel Fast Track Tribunal. The outcomes were as follows:
 
John Potter (Dunfermline Athletic FC)
St. Johnstone v Dunfermline Athletic - August 13, 2011

Claim of Wrongful Dismissal for (A4); Denying the opposing team or an opponent a goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity as defined by Law 12
 
Outcome: Claim upheld to the extent that the offence was reduced to a caution for Unsporting Behaviour (Deliberate Tripping).
 
Ross Tokely (Inverness CT FC)
Inverness CT v Rangers - August 13, 2011

Claim of Wrongful Dismissal for (A4); Denying the opposing team or an opponent a goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity as defined by Law 12
 
Outcome: Claim dismissed. One SPL match suspension, effective immediately.

Finance

Arlene Hall joined us yesterday to provide cover for Nicola's maternity leave period. There will be a short change-over period with Nicola, this week and next, and then Arlene will be in on Monday and Tuesday each week.

National Teams

Scotland thrashed Denmark 2-1 last Wednesday on a dreich night at Hampden, as Robert Snodgrass won the game with a fine header. Highlights and post match reaction here:

Last Wednesday also saw the Scotland under-21 side triumph 3-0 over their Norweigan counterparts at the under-21s new home of St. Mirren Park with Ryan Jack's goal the pick of a cracking bunch with the action available here.

Referee Development

Referee Recruitment and Education Officer Steven McLean started the Scottish FA Referee Development Blog last week, and offers up some insight into the roles occupied by himself and Craig.