Greene makes history as Guyana’s 1st VAR-certified referee

Guyana’s Shavin Greene has made history by becoming the country’s first Video Assistant Referee (VAR)-certified official, opening another pathway for local referees to advance their careers beyond on-field officiating.

Greene achieved the milestone after successfully completing Concacaf’s inaugural Video Match Official Certification Programme (VMOCP), which included practical experience during the Concacaf Central American Cup.
Speaking after officiating an Elite League match, Greene described the achievement as a proud moment and an opportunity to further showcase Guyana’s refereeing talent on the international stage.
“It’s one that I’m very proud of. It’s another opportunity to put the Guyana Football Federation and Guyana referees on the global stage,” Greene said.
“Representing my country has always been a pleasure for me, and to achieve this certification, it just shows another pathway that is out there and ready for referees.”
The certification programme involved intensive online and in-person sessions before participants completed a final practical assessment in a live-match environment. Greene’s experience during the Central American Cup final provided an important opportunity to apply his knowledge at a high level.
He expressed gratitude to Concacaf and the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) for facilitating the opportunity, which he believes highlights the expanding career possibilities available within football officiating.
Greene’s achievement comes as the GFF continues to promote its Referee Regularisation Programme, encouraging more individuals to enter the profession and contribute to the development of football in Guyana.
He urged prospective referees to recognise the profession’s opportunities, particularly for those who possess leadership qualities and a passion for the game but may no longer be able to play competitively.
“I would just tell them the profession is a great one. It’s a wonderful opportunity,” Greene said, noting that refereeing can provide opportunities to travel internationally while earning an income. “It doesn’t happen for everyone, but it’s a pathway that can happen for anyone.”
Greene stressed that refereeing is not limited to former players or individuals already involved in football, adding that people from different professional backgrounds can make valuable contributions.
Whether teachers, members of the disciplined services, fitness enthusiasts or former players, he believes anyone with the right attributes and love for the game can consider becoming an official.
“It’s a noble profession. It calls for leadership,” he said.
He encouraged interested individuals to join the GFF’s recruitment drive, emphasising that officiating offers an opportunity to remain connected to football while developing leadership skills and pursuing professional advancement.
Greene’s historic certification not only represents a personal achievement but also demonstrates the potential for Guyanese officials to access emerging opportunities in modern football, including the increasingly important role of video technology in match officiating.