FIFA RAP concludes

The FIFA Referees Assistance Programme (RAP) officially concluded with a simple closing ceremony Sunday at the National Research Center on Woolford Avenue, Thomas Lands.

The programme which commenced September 8, was used to assess the quality of refereeing locally and to teach and implement modern techniques.

GFF President Christopher Matthias during a brief address said that the role of the referees are that of a judge and that they should act in a professional and principle manner whether on or off the field.

GFF President Christopher Matthias (centre sitting) and CONCACAF Head of Referees Peter Pendergast (third from left sitting) posing for a photo opportunity with participating referees following the conclusion of the FIFA Referees Assistance Program (RAP)
GFF President Christopher Matthias (centre sitting) and CONCACAF Head of Referees Peter Pendergast (third from left sitting) posing for a photo opportunity with participating referees following the conclusion of the FIFA Referees Assistance Program (RAP)

He noted that the only partiality that should be shown by the referees should be towards the laws of the game or else the standard of refereeing locally will always be questioned by individuals

“Thanks to CONCACAF, FIFA and anyone who made this course possible. Thanks to the participants for taking time off to attend the course and I also want you to hold yourself and the GFF to the highest standard so we can all be great ambassadors of the game,” said Matthias.

CONCACAF Head of Referees Peter Prendergast of Jamaican said “Participation by referees and assistants went well. The course had no issues or major glitches. Thanks for the support of the staff for having what was required to run a successful course.”

Physical Instructor Allan Morgan of Costa Rica said:”The results of the course are promising. Their still work to be done on some areas. I think the performance over the five days was good and I hope to see you (the participants) at CONCACAF and CFU tournaments.

“The expectation is high for CONCACAF referees but for Peter and I, the expectation for CFU referees are higher,” he added.