DFA President Glen Etienne hopes 1-week training boosts 23 referees’ confidence and competence 23

​President of the Dominica Football Association (DFA), Glen Etienne told referees attending a 1-week training course in Dominica, that the information they will receive should enable them to improve their confidence and competence. 23 referees are part of that training, under the guidance of FIFA Instructor Peter Prendergast, and FIFA Physical instructor, Kelisha Antoine, assisted by local instructors Carlisle Jno Baptiste, Daniel Leslie, Nehron Williams & Christian Sobers.
 
Etienne asked the referees to demonstrate full commitment and discipline, so as to reap the greatest benefits from the training. He called on them to take personal responsibility for their fitness. He said, “The desire to be fit should be the hallmark for all referees especially those on the FIFA list. Be mindful that you may be required to do a fitness test and anytime and at short notice during a tournament”.
 
He added, “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”.
 
Etienne told the newcomers “football refereeing is a noble venture”, and they must carry themselves in a “professional manner on and off the field of play”. He said, “Always ensure that you are approachable, and learn to manage individuals. Above all, do not be the centre of attraction; 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”.
 
He added, “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.”
 
FIFA Instructor Peter Prendergast called on the participants to “challenge themselves” for the task ahead. He told them “Refereeing can become a career…open your minds to the modern game; the decision is yours, there’s lots of money in refereeing, but you have to be prepared and ready for the challenge”.