Drive to recruit football refs

The Referees Board of the Malta FA is forever on the lookout for new referees to join its ranks. Another course is being organised in the next few weeks to recruit newcomers who wish to take up the whistle.

Those who have shown an interest but have not actually got down to lifting a telephone and informing the Training Officer at the MFA that they would like to join the course should do so right away.

They should not be discouraged. There are many young men and women who are devoted to the game and who week in week out give their services to help the development of the game locally.

Another encouragement for females is that only recently history was made when three Maltese female referees controlled an international friendly between Malta and Italy U-19 at the training grounds at Ta' Qali.

Esther Farrugia as referee with Sadia Mizzi and Ivana Salerno on the line gave a very creditable performance. They showed that they are equal to their male counterparts when it comes to controlling football matches.

The Referees Board wants to be spoilt for choice. It needs more referees because it wants to have a wider choice from where to select officials. Naturally, it is not only after quantity but above all quality.

The Board needs the numbers but it has to make sure that the people who apply are honest, dedicated and hard-working. It is no use having hundreds of referees if their level is not up to standard.

I can safely say that the young crop of referees from the Premier right down to the trainee level helped by the more experienced officials have acquitted themselves well this season. The high level has been constant and one should not generalise when a referee or an assistant has an off day. Players have poor matches as office managers have a day of mediocre decisions.

The candidates we are looking for - both male and female - must have ability. They must realise that the climb up the ladder is not an easy one but in the end it will be worth the sacrifice. The referees are never left to their own devices. They are constantly monitored and the majority of matches are observed by a Match Inspector.

They have monthly instructional meetings, seminars, regular training sessions and physical fitness tests. These are but a few of the activities organised by the Referees Board through its various sub-committees.

The Referees Board ensures that the new official is put on the right path in developing his or her personality and so perfect the management of players and the application of the Laws of the Game.

Anyone interested in joining our next course is to phone Tom A. Restall on 21-222697.