THE Cebu Regional Football Association is trying to boost its pool of referees by holding a three-day recruitment seminar.
Archie Reyes, the head of the referee’s committee said more than 40 newbies from the University of Southern Philippines Foundation, University of the Philippines, University of San Carlos, University of San Jose Recoletos, and clubs from Talisay, Lapu-Lapu City, Barili, Alcoy, and Liloan joined the Aug. 21 orientation.
Reyes said they need to train new referees as the number of football events are growing while trainees from previous batches have also decided not to continue.
“There were a lot who decided not to continue from the last batch in February, however, from that batch, we were able to send two to officiate in the PFF U16 and U19 and they managed to do well,” said Reyes.
Reyes also said the PFF wants the CRFA to develop women referees as the association hasn’t sent any to officiate in national competitions.
Reyes was assisted in the seminar by fellow referees instructor Randy Estremos, a former Fifa assistant referee, and Dave Intong, who is set to join a Futsal referee’s course.
For this batch, there are six female referees, all from UP Cebu and Reyes is hopeful, some, if not all of them can be developed to train at the national level.
“Most of the players from Cebu who wants to become referees are quick learners because they have a high understanding of football,” said Reyes.