Smith Graduates from Elite Caribbean Referee Course
IslandStats.com
Bermudian match official Sar Smith is among twenty-four promising referees who have successfully completed the 2026 Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Next Generation Referee Course in St. Kitts.
The intensive three-day programme, held at the St. Kitts and Nevis Football Association’s (SKNFA) technical base, brought together the region’s emerging talent for a series of high-level physical and technical assessments. Smith, representing the Bermuda Football Association, was one of twenty-four officials from fifteen Member Associations selected for the prestigious course, which serves as a vital stepping stone toward the FIFA International Referees List.
The curriculum, led by a faculty of FIFA and Concacaf instructors including Kelesha Antoine and Dianne Ferreira-James, focused on match management, the latest interpretations of the Laws of the Game, and elite-level fitness. For Smith, the successful completion of the in-person module in Basseterre marks the beginning of a long-term development pathway.
The "Next Gen" initiative, launched in 2022, is designed to identify and nurture officials who demonstrate the potential to transition to the international stage within two years. Following the conclusion of the practical sessions in St. Kitts, Smith and his fellow graduates will now transition to a bespoke online mentorship programme.
Those who continue to meet the rigorous performance benchmarks will be rewarded with appointments to the CFU Under-14 Challenge Series later this year, where they will be evaluated in live international match conditions.
Head of Referees for the Bermuda Football Association Crensten Williams said, “Sar Smith’s selection to the Caribbean Football Union referees seminar is a tremendous achievement, especially at just 18 years old. Being only the second Bermudian center referee to attend this course speaks volumes about Sar’s dedication and potential. We hope this milestone inspires other young people to take up officiating, as it clearly shows that there are real pathways for growth and international recognition. This opportunity bodes very well for the continued development of our refereeing program in Bermuda.”
