FIFA Elite Referees’ Course Phase I in progress.

Basseterre, st. Kitts- You may recall the announcement of Graeme Browne, Ike innis and Kimbell Ward’s appointment to the FIFA International Referees list earlier this year. The FIFA International Referees List is the global list of referees in the football-variants controlled by FIFA. FIFA member countries are invited annually to nominate male and female officials for outdoor football, Futsal and Beach soccer. Each country’s Referee’s Committee selects the referees to be nominated to FIFA.[1][2]
Officials nominated for outdoor football are nominated as either referees or assistant referees. Futsal and Beach soccer at international level are usually controlled by two on-field referees and there is no equivalent of the assistant referee. Referees nominated to the list must pass fitness tests consisting of a series of 40 and 150 metre sprints.

Having met all the requirements of FIFA for selection, the trio are given the privilege to train amongst officials of their stature, the elite.

On Monday, 6th May, Browne, Innis and Ward joined officials from across the region at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort for the opening ceremony of the FIFA Elite Referees Training Course Phase I. Present at the opening ceremony were PResident Anthony Jacobs, General Secretary Stanley Jacobs and other members of the management and staff of the SKNFA. Brief welcome remarks were issued by the Gen. Sec and remarks were also given by Mr. president himself. FIFA Referee Instructor Mr. Peter Prendergast who is no stranger to the islands oversaw practical training at the Warner Park Football Stadium on Wednesday 8th May.

During their stay, “the elite” have also been given the chance to observe local referees while at play at the various local matches. The SKNFA wishes all involved in this ongoing course success and an enjoyable remainder of their trip.