Hackett, who in his role as General Manager of the Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) oversaw the development and selection for referees in the Premier League and FA Cup, was in New Zealand at the start of 2009 but had to cut short his visit after just two days to tend to professional matters in England.
At the time he vowed to return, and now will complete his tour around regional centres imparting a wealth of knowledge gained from a 23-year career in the middle that took in FA Cup Finals, Charity Shield matches, Olympic Games and European Championships.
He stepped down as head of PMGOL in December after five years in the role.
Hackett began refereeing in Sheffield in 1960 as a teenager, joining the full ranks of Football League referees 1976 and making the FIFA list in 1981. He retired from active refereeing in 1994.
Beginning on February 20 in Tauranga, Hackett’s tour will see him visit Auckland, Napier, Palmerston North, Wellington and Christchurch and lead sessions targeted at New Zealand’s top officiators and others open to general public or local referees.
NZF Referee Development Officer Ken Wallace was sure kiwi referees would be keen to tap into Hackett’s experience and expertise.
“Not only did he enjoy a successful refereeing career, which in itself can be extremely inspiring for upcoming referees,” said Wallace, “but he’s now in charge of referees in the biggest league in the world and can share some insights to all the techniques that his organisation teaches and the science and technology they employ.”
Anyone interested in attending any of the free seminars are advised to contact their local federation for registration details.
Visit from Keith Hackett
GM Professional Game Match Officials Ltd
February 19-28
Seminar dates
Tauranga: 20 Feb
Auckland: 21 Feb (Elite), 22 Feb (open)
Napier: 24 Feb
Palmerston North: 25 Feb
Wellington: 26 Feb
Christchurch: 27 Feb
Story courtesy nzfootball.co.nz