Three more referees are to be promoted to special referees (SRs). There are now nine Special Referees (full time employees of J.League). This is in line with the county’s intention to “create” more referees and more qualified/experienced referees, as the number of divisions grows from the bottom up….. as a Japanese Grade 2 referee for over ten years, I have now been informed that the cut-off age for becoming a Grade 1 referee (until this month, 30 years old!) has now been relaxed and there is officially no cut off, though under 40 is preferred according to the JFA. So, I can now qualify for a Grade 1 licence AT LAST. Unfortunately, the age limit for actually refereeing is probably still in place and 46, I believe is the limit (I am 46!). So… I can finally (try to) get the Grade 1 in the next few months, but then have only a few months left to try and get into the J.League for my swansong :-)Perhaps the fact that I am requested (preferred!?) by some J.League clubs to referee their training games, and have done for years, will go in my favour!!!? NOT!