When it is time to hang up your boots but being on the field still gives you that unmatched adrenaline rush, then it is perhaps time to pick up the referee whistle.
Former India women’s football team captain Maria Rebello who has officiated in the Asian Games, Santosh Trophy and I-League matches, says, “After a player has retired, refereeing is a good way to remain on the field, and be in touch with the game.” Ms. Rebello, who is among the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Panel of Elite Referees, was coordinating the Project Future Referees Course of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) which was held in Puducherry this week.
Technical Instructor at the event, S. Suresh says, “If you have been a player, you will make a better referee. It is easier for a player to handle refereeing.” Mr. Suresh, who has been a FIFA Referee and AFC Referees Instructor, adds, “One knows the fouls. While referees know the laws of the game, a player-turned referee understands the spirit of the game as well.”
Col (Retired) Goutam Kar, Head of Referees Department, AIFF, who initiated the course in 2012 says he did groundwork in countries like Japan and Korea to see how they trained their referees. “The idea is to spot talent and give referees an opportunity in India. Our target is to have Indian referees at the 2022 World Cup. They have the calibre, I am just the catalyst,” he says. From just one referee to officiate in top international matches, there are now 3 referees, and four assistant referees in the top level, says Mr. Kar.
The Project Future Referees Course is in line with the AFC’s Vision Asia football development programme. The participants have been nominated by State associations, and will undergo a selection process.
Selected candidates are trained by Instructors, and participate in two exposure trips in a year for two years. In the event at Puducherry, 30 participants from the 2014 and 2015 batches participated. A further selection will see some of them nominated to the Project Future Asia of AFC. The course assesses the participants on fitness and theory and includes a personal interview.
Sessions
“The course had practical and theory sessions, where we were tested on game analysis and laws of the game. We were also shown video clips where we had to identify fouls in as little time as possible,” says Vijay Shankar from Puducherry, who has played for the Union Territory.
Ms. Rebello believes that more Indian women in refereeing who are exposed to international matches will raise the standard of the game here. “It is a good sign to see more women take on refereeing,” she says. “I have just returned from the sub-junior nationals at Cuttack where almost all those officiating were women,” she adds.
Mr. Kar confirmed plans to have a women’s football league soon, which will further the cause of women’s football in India.
“Our experiment in preparing women referees has been successful. Women’s matches are now being officiated almost entirely by women. I find women referees to be more dedicated and disciplined,” he says.
