Costa Rica has once again played host to a crucial CONCACAF refereeing seminar, bringing together a mix of aspiring and experienced officials, technical experts, and fitness instructors. Among the attendees was Bermuda's newly FIFA-listed referee, Amaury Majors, highlighting the international reach of this vital development programme.
The seminar, held for the second consecutive time in Costa Rica, underscores CONCACAF's commitment to raising the standards of officiating across the region. Lance VanHaitsma, CONCACAF Referee Development Manager, expressed his gratitude to the Costa Rican Football Federation for their support and the excellent facilities provided.
"We are very happy to be able to carry out this seminar on Costa Rican soil," said VanHaitsma. He emphasized the importance of the CONCACAF Referee Academy, a programme designed to identify and nurture the next generation of referees. "This is a development strategy that gives the opportunity to identify and train a new generation of referees who can grow in a competitive system."
The seminar was divided into two distinct parts. The first focused on 14 promising referees, identified as future prospects within their respective nations, taking their first steps on the CONCACAF stage. These officials benefited from a combination of theoretical sessions and practical, on-field training designed to accelerate their development.
The second part of the seminar welcomed a further 120 referees, all of whom are already operating at a higher level. These experienced officials are expected to officiate in upcoming high-profile tournaments, including the CNL Final Four, the Champions Cup, and the Gold Cup. The advanced training they received will ensure they are prepared for the demands of these prestigious competitions.
The seminar boasted an impressive roster of instructors, led by VanHaitsma and Malcolm Ramsey, CONCACAF Referee Development Coordinator. Joining them were FIFA Technical Instructors Peter Prendergast, Leonel Leal, and Jeffrey Solis, along with FIFA Fitness Instructor Alan Brown. Their combined expertise provided invaluable guidance to the assembled referees.
The success of this seminar reinforces CONCACAF's dedication to developing world-class officials. By investing in training and development programmes, the confederation aims to ensure the highest standards of officiating at all levels of the game.
|
