President of the Dominica Football Association (DFA) Glen Etienne has urged referees to take personal responsibility for their fitness.
He made his comments at the start of a five-day DFA FIFA Advanced Referees Course in Dominica.
Etienne told participants that work-out sessions that they engage in “once a week” cannot make them fit.
“You need to put in the extra work and effort needed,” he noted. “You must come to a game fit. Do not go to a game to get fit. It has never worked and will certainly not work now. The desire to be fit should be the hall mark for all referees especially those on the FIFA list.”
He continued, “Be mindful that you may be required to do a fitness test and anytime and at short notice during a tournament. It will certainly be embarrassing for one to get an appointment and have to return home because he or she has failed the fitness test. Getting an appointment and failing to fulfill it because of lack of fitness could very well mean that you may never get another opportunity. Once you are fit and remain fit, you are bound to be presented with opportunities.”
The DFA Boss too manyt times mistakes are made on the pitch due to the lack of referee fitness.
“A referee who is fit is one step closer to becoming a competent referee while those who are not fit are doing the game an injustice,” he stressed.
He welcomed new referees, reminding them that “football refereeing is a noble venture and as such, you must carry yourself in a professional manner both on and off the field of play”.
“Always ensure that you are approachable and learn to manage individuals,” Etienne said. “Above all, do not be the centre of attraction for this will spell disaster for you and the game. Remember that the spectators did not come to see you, they came to see a football match of which you are in charge. Carry out your functions without being noticed. A referee who does so is well on his or her way to achieving success. Always ensure that you familiarize yourselves with the laws of the game for this is your bible and apply them correctly because there is no forgiveness for errors made relating to the laws of the game.”
The course is being conducted by regional FIFA instructor Denmore Roberts with assistance from local FIFA instructors, Carlisle Jno Baptiste and Daniel Leslie.
FIFA Fitness instructor, Kelishia Antoine, will also conduct sessions and a fitness test for participants.
Excellent advice. Fitness is the name of the game for athletes. Therefore, practice and more practice will make perfect athletes. Good luck!
Great work Kelesha! Eiefd cada vez mas fuerte!