It is interesting to me - as someone on another thread confirmed that Michael Oliver (the best referee in the country i. m. o), who is in the Premier League list of referees, did referee the F A Trophy final -

whereas a semi - professional referee who has a poor history against the Town - but not against Bristol Rovers - see link - gets appointed for a massive game (in terms of Conference League football).

http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/Grimsby-Town-fans-left-fuming-ref-s-display/story-20466784-detail/story.html

I have had a look on the Football Association website, but can not identify who these people are, because there appears to be no mention of them.

The Conference League does appear to be under the umbrella of the Football Association, as far as can see, although the general manager of the Conference League has this reference:

'Dennis Strudwick - General Manager.
Former cost Accountant in construction industry and Building Society Branch Manager. Following a 15 year playing career (part-time) in senior football, including over 300 appearances for hometown club Horsham, he entered football administration with the Sussex Sunday League (5 years) before being appointed Secretary to the Southern League in 1982. After becoming the second longest serving Secretary (25 years), and the second longest serving Treasurer (24 years) he was appointed General Manager of the Football Conference in 2007.

This chap seems to have another 3 members in his team and that's it.

This whole murky (lacking in transparency it seems to me) scenario does bother me a bit as well - considering the outcome last Sunday.

Happy to be put right, by people that make big decisions.
  

Appreciate you may have a genuine interest but it's time to move on IMO.

Quoted from ginnywings

Appreciate you may have a genuine interest but it's time to move on IMO.

Thanks for moving it on (let's forget all about it) - I suppose so - not a question worth asking - is it? Gateshead last season, Bristol Rovers this season - next season after another 48 + matches (if we're lucky)? Difficult to have any confidence in this League.

UTM though.

Well, we won't have to worry about Joyce next season, he's been promoted to the Football League after he topped the Conference merit table. The mind boggles. Apologies if it's already been posted.

Quote from the Middlesborough Gazette:

Boro fans may be dreaming of the play-off final, but one Teesside ref has already secured a Wembley/promotion double.

On Sunday, Eston official Ross Joyce takes charge of the Conference play-off final between Bristol Rovers and Grimsby Town.

One of these teams will take their place in the Football League next season and will be joined there by Ross.

After finishing top of the merit table in the Football Conference and enjoying a successful interview, he has been promoted to the League list for next season.

Quoted from Teestogreen

Thanks for moving it on (let's forget all about it) - I suppose so - not a question worth asking - is it? Gateshead last season, Bristol Rovers this season - next season after another 48 + matches (if we're lucky)? Difficult to have any confidence in this League.

UTM though.

The game is littered with poor refereeing decisions right up to and including the World Cup with the supposed beat refs on the planet. It was always thus and will remain so. I can understand and share your frustration but nothing will be done about it. They will always close ranks and besides Joyce has been promoted to the league, so they obviously aint worried about his incompetence.

I've always said that more ex players should be encouraged to become refs. They have a greater understanding of the game.

The FA Trophy final had an FA (PL) ref and the Conference final had a Conference ref. Not that surprising. (On the face of it anyway).

Quoted from ginnywings

The game is littered with poor refereeing decisions right up to and including the World Cup with the supposed beat refs on the planet. It was always thus and will remain so. I can understand and share your frustration but nothing will be done about it. They will always close ranks and besides Joyce has been promoted to the league, so they obviously aint worried about his incompetence.

I've always said that more ex players should be encouraged to become refs. They have a greater understanding of the game.

'poor refereeing decisions right up to and including the World Cup with the supposed beat refs'  -  believe it or not - I was so incensed when Frank Lampard's goal against Germany was not acknowledged in the last Euro Cup - I emailed FIFA at half time to press my case for goal line technology : never got a reply and I still feel aggrieved.

We shouldn't just let the 'faceless' mush decide what's best.

http://www.thefa.com/my-football/referee/frequently-asked-questions

Heading 5 relates best to my question.

I'm still concerned as to how the referee that took Sunday's game was chosen - given the background.

So heading 5 seems to say that Conference League refereeing is co-ordinated by the Football Association - which includes higher leagues than the Conference League.

Bristol Rovers or Grimsby   - mm?

Looks like putting the head in the Cleethorpes sand is the answer then - sums it up.   ;D

Quoted from Teestogreen

'poor refereeing decisions right up to and including the World Cup with the supposed beat refs'  -  believe it or not - I was so incensed when Frank Lampard's goal against Germany was not acknowledged in the last Euro Cup - I emailed FIFA at half time to press my case for goal line technology : never got a reply and I still feel aggrieved.

If you're a wind up, bloody good job!!  ;D ;D ;D ;D

Actually Mr  Diehardmariner - that    is     TRUE.     :-/      

Interesting that all these people have been arrested, after FIFA did not reply. (shady bunch) 8)