The Guyana Football Federation’s Refereeing Department has successfully completed the facilitation of a FIFA member association training course for its match officials.
The standard week-long FIFA course involved intensive physical training
This standard five-day course, part of the world governing body’s regular activities to support the capacity-building of referees worldwide in order to maintain standards in the officiation of matches, was held at the GFF’s National Training Centre at Providence, EBD, and was led by FIFA Referee Development Officer Javier Santos.
Referees and assistant referees from across the country were put through their paces by the FIFA team, including theoretical classroom and practical field sessions and fitness conditioning.
“We have seen a very good attitude from the referees,” FIFA’s Santos has said. “They were very enthusiastic. Every time we visit this country, we have seen a good improvement.”
The course offered an opportunity to update referees on the latest interpretation and changes to the laws of the game, and focused on areas such as handball, offside, and penalty decisions.
“Training is important; it is ongoing, and it never stops,” GFF Executive Committee member and Head of Refereeing, Dion Inniss, has said. “We always have to be reminded of the fundamentals and the foundations of what we do.”
First-time attendee Selena Persaud, an assistant referee from Region 7, has said the course was “very interactive and informative”.
“I’ve learned a lot, as everyone did,” she said. “It has shown me that there is room for improvement, and it was a great experience.”
