GFF / Petra Organisation host Grassroots Referees Clinic

Jan 24, 2016 Sports

Over thirty-five (35) students representing schools that are participating in this year’s Milo Under-20 Schools Football Competition are currently engaged in a Grassroots Referees Clinic which is being conducted by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) in collaboration with the Petra Organisation at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue.

Head of Referees Stanley Lancaster (centre sitting) poses with participants attending the Grassroots Referees Clinic yesterday.

Kaieteur Sport caught up with Head of Referees Stanley Lancaster, who is the lead Instructor of the Programme and he told this newspaper that the ongoing clinic’s genesis originated from discussions with the Petra Organisation aimed at producing more qualified referees to officiate the game at every level.
He said two students from each school participating in the Milo tournament were invited to attend the clinic which commenced last Friday and will end today, adding that while the turnout was below the targeted figure, he was heartened by the response from the students.
According to Lancaster, the students were taught the basic laws of the game, while some amount of field work was done which included flag work, referees position and movements and those of the official at the centre of the game.
Lancaster, a FIFA accredited referee said that the aim is to develop the ability of the referee from the grassroots level in keeping with the GFF mandate and to get more aspiring persons involved in the sport.
He disclosed that the participants will undergo further technical work on Tuesdays and Thursdays and this will last throughout the year as the Federation intensifies its efforts to get more referees qualified.
He further revealed that there will be a Beginners Course in March where those that are participating in the current programme will be incorporated.