Elite referees in Fiji concluded a four-day FIFA Member Association refereeing course at Fiji Football Headquarters in Vatuwaqa on Sunday with thirty-plus participants including five assessors.
The course was officially opened by Fiji FA senior vice president Yogeshwar Singh and was led by Fiji FA Referees Director and FIFA Instructor Rakesh Varman.
Varman said the main objective of the course was to improve refereeing and give much information as possible to make correct decisions on the field because ultimately it is about the correct decision.
“It is important that the assessors also attended because they needed to be aware of what we were teaching the referees so that they then are armed with the same information when they make their assessments and that’s important, particularly with so many changes.”
“The referees were very engaged, they were discussing all the time and asking lots of questions and clarifications. “
“This is really important for their development and we also went through some practical training sessions where we practiced real refereeing decisions on the field as well as their fitness.
Varman said the participants were equipped with a vast knowledge of the laws of the game and also reminded of the amendments in rules (if any).
“We discuss different scenes and incidents of the games they handle as they share knowledge and experiences as well as testing for their mental and physical strength with revision of the laws that govern the beautiful game.”
“They were engaged in fitness tests before class work that entailed theory and practical drills took place.”
“Throughout the course, the referees and assessors were taken through the various course modules on amendment of the FIFA Laws of the game.
“Also, the modern approaches of managing the game, analyzing videos, physical training and technical aspects on the field of play were emphasized as well,” said Varman
Singh while opening the course said he wants to encourage the participants to strive for excellence.
“We are trying to move in a different direction. We want referees to be consistent,” said Singh
“The demands and expectations for the modern game of football calls for all match referees and assessors to have the rules and regulations at their fingertips.”
“Referees make key decisions during a football game within a very limited time frame and this course will surely help them.”
