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General Refereeing => General Discussion => Topic started by: guest4 on Tue 06 Nov 2018 18:57

Title: Ryan Atkin
Post by: guest4 on Tue 06 Nov 2018 18:57

I’m delighted to share the news that Ryan has been appointed as the new European Referee Director for the international LGBT FA .
Well done And congratulations Ryan and thank you for being a perfect role model so others can participate without fear . Love is love no matter the gender.

Title: Re: Ryan Atkin
Post by: bmb on Tue 06 Nov 2018 21:57

Quote from: Plym-Nick on Tue 06 Nov 2018 18:57

I’m delighted to share the news that Ryan has been appointed as the new European Referee Director for the international LGBT FA .
Well done And congratulations Ryan and thank you for being a perfect role model so others can participate without fear . Love is love no matter the gender.

Fantastic! He's been a great ambassador/role model for referees who are LGBT since coming out himself. I'm sure he will put the role to good use in raising awareness/acceptance. Like in all walks of life people should only ever be judged on their behaviour, attitude and ability and not on their sex/sexuality/colour of their skin/religion or whatever other discriminatory rubbish people use to put someone down.

Title: Re: Ryan Atkin
Post by: Whistleblower on Wed 07 Nov 2018 10:25

Ryan Atkin is one of the very few openly LGBT referees in the senior ranks of officiating and I salute his courage and strength of character in taking what, at times, may seem like a somewhat lonely position and congratulate him on this appointment. Of course there are other LGBT referees at senior level and whilst I absolutely defend anyone's decision to keep their sexuality a private matter, I do also note that it is the openness and tyransparency of referees like Ryan Atkin which help to break down barriers and increase a general acceptance and perhaps his example might inspire others to follow.

Title: Re: Ryan Atkin
Post by: exref_fromOZ on Wed 07 Nov 2018 20:34

Congrats to Ryan on his appointment! It is courageous moments, like his openness on his sexuality that will continue the momentum in allowing any players in any professional sport to come out and be comfortable in who they are and the sport they love. Does this mean that Ryan isn't officiating anymore or is he still on the 2B panel in National South?