Dear Sir,

In Bermuda, there is an ever-increasing emphasis placed on the development of coaches and players. Increasing calls from all sectors of football's family demanding more and more attention be placed on improving the proficiency of coaches with the end product being a more technically prepared player on the field.

The arguments in support of this approach are many and have great merit if we want to see improvements to our sport from an entertainment perspective.

However, notwithstanding the importance of this fact, we promote improving coaches and players while failing to address not only improving the quality of refereeing but more significant is the need to increase the overall number of competent referees and assistant referees. Improving the quality of our football product in Bermuda, as is the case globally is a necessary goal. Therefore, it only makes logical sense that improving coaches, players and increasing the number of competent referees must be done in harmony. To neglect the referees is to neglect the administration of game on the field.

This leads to the obvious high degree of apathy within the football family when it comes to the subject of refereeing. While many take the opportunity on a weekly basis to criticise and demean the efforts of those persons, whether they be certified referees, parents willing to help out or coaches who are forced to do double duty on the weekend, few of those same persons have the fortitude to "step up to the plate" and do their part to support the sport they say the love.

Here is the effect of their actions: (1) abuse from them and others like them towards the men and women in the middle; (2) use of insulting language, which drives other fans away from supporting football; (3) current referees consider leaving the game in frustration; (4) potential referees decide not to join; (5) quality of refereeing across the game declines; (6) coaches and players become frustrated; (7) Football suffers!

Some of you may have seen members of the BFA Executive Committee and Club Executive members performing referee or assistant referee duties throughout all our leagues. This is not a publicity stunt, as some have tried to imply but simply a case of "put up or shut up or practise what you preach." You see, there is a really big problem of late with the number of former top players we so enthusiastically talk about, who have come and gone from the game without even looking in their rearview mirror as well as the football experts who know every law of the game and bellow out their views about the referee's decision as loud as they can from the sidelines for all to hear.

The excuses we often hear from these same folks are: "I'm not taking all that abuse" or "I know how I was as a player, I wouldn't take any nonsense from these players or fans so I can't be a referee". All of these are mere excuses coming from the same perpetrators. If our current referees used these same feeble excuses and they have legitimate reasons to do so then what would be the state of our football.

Refereeing will not improve because of some magical breeze blowing across the Island from the Atlantic Ocean. It will not improve from the delivery to the Island of a shipment of special water or sports drink. It will not improve because the BFA hires an expert Technical Director. It will not improve because the BFA has provided the clubs with new training equipment. It will only improve if people like you who say you care about football and who genuinely have a contribution to make get involved. We have to put aside our fears, our personal issues, our negative views, our state of apathy and our excuses. We need to replace these with our passion, our commitment, our expertise and our desire to contribute to the future of refereeing and football.

We currently have an ageing referee pool at the senior level of our game. We are increasing our numbers at the youth level thanks to the many parents and individual youth team supporters and coaches that have committed to ensuring there are referees at this level. We also have a number of youth, who have taken up the challenge to become referees. To all these people we give a great big thank you! But we can and we must do more. Why?

We need a cadre of competent referees at all levels and at all games that are played during the season. Just like players strive to represent the Island internationally and coaches desire to become a national team coach, referees have the opportunity to become FIFA listed international referees. We will discuss this in a follow-up article. The point being made here is that there are opportunities beyond Bermuda if people take up the challenge to become a referee.

How can you help football by becoming a referee? First, commit to explore becoming a referee or assistant referee. Next, decide if you want to be a club referee or sssistant referee or you want to referee across the game. Finally, call the BFA office at 295-2199 and register your intentions as soon as possible. Don't delay your decision!

What will the BFA do to support your desire to become a referee or assistant referee? The BFA will hold two referee training workshops each month. The first will be held on the first Saturday of each month and the second will be held on the last Saturday of each month. The workshop will start at 9.00 a.m. and conclude at 12 noon at the BFA Office.

Once you attend and pass the trainee level workshop, we will supply you with your referee equipment including uniforms at no cost. Next we will pay you $35 for each senior match that you officiate and $30 for each youth match. As your grade level increases so will your fee with the top pay grade being $70 per match at the senior level

Finally, to all ex-players, you know the game as it is played on the field. You should have a basic understanding of the laws of the game. Some of you have played internationally and some of you can make a significant contribution to raise the standard of refereeing in Bermuda.

We welcome you and encourage you to stay in the game.

You are the perfect role models for Bermuda's younger players and a symbol of hope to the many spectators around the field who are desperately looking for the level of the game to improve.

Executive Committee

Bermuda Football

Association