Referees’ course sparks zest in new cohorts

Three new faces in local football refereeing circles, who had their first exposure to formal training, are charged with enthusiasm and raring for upward mobility.{{more}}

The trio of Davesta George, Kevin Richards and Anallan Stephens were part of a four-day course, sourced by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation, through the sport’s world governing body FIFA’s Referees Assistant Programme (RAP).

The main instructors of the course were Jamaican Victor Stewart and Trinidadian Joseph Taylor, who are FIFA accredited referees’ instructors.

George, who began officiating in the Barrouallie Football League last year as an assistant referee (linesman), buoyed by his new found knowledge, said he had learnt “a lot and enjoyed the course.”

Like, George, Richards is a resident of Barrouallie and has been iofficiating just over a year as well.

Calling attendance to the four days as a blessing, Richards assessed, “I learned new things, new techniques … I have learnt how to hold the flag, how to get in line and shuffle into position.”

With his appetite whetted and his knowledge enhanced, Richards has his eyes fixed on being on the roster of match officials for national competitions in the shortest possible time.

Meanwhile, Anallan Stephens, who is a prospective referee, thinks he is better served after his exposure to the four days of training.

“This course has been an enhancement and upliftment of my knowledge …I have learnt new techniques in terms of shuffling and getting into new positions and being in alignment to see when plays are to be made,” Stephens commented.

Confined to the North Leeward Football League, in which he has gained some match experience, for just over a year, Stephens sees the sky as his limit.

“I am seeking to be first and foremost a category one referee in the national competition and move to become a FIFA accredited referee,” Stephens, a resident of Spring Village, projected.

This latest referees’ course follows similar undertakings in 2010, 2014 and 2015.

Both Taylor and Stewart also conducted the exercise last year.