Eastern Region Referees Undergo Training to Improve Football Officiating Standards

A two-day capacity-building training for referees’ instructors and assessors has officially commenced at the Rendezvous Guesthouse along Reservation Road in Kenema, bringing together retired referees from Kailahun, Kenema, and Kono districts.

The training is designed to strengthen the knowledge and competencies of participants who now serve as instructors and assessors, with the ultimate goal of improving refereeing standards across all levels of football in the Eastern Region.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chairman of the Kenema District Football Association, who also serves as an Executive Committee Member of the Eastern Region Football Association (ERFA), warmly welcomed participants to the district and commended their commitment to the development of football.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the Acting Regional Chairman of ERFA, Mohamed Pateh Jabbie, popularly known as Skillo Jabbie, urged participants to remain attentive throughout the training. He emphasized that the knowledge acquired would be cascaded down to active referees, thereby enhancing professionalism in officiating.

Skillo Jabbie highlighted that under the leadership of Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) President, Babadi Kamara, significant efforts are being made to ensure football in the country aligns with global best practices. He also praised the improving performance of referees in competitions such as the Leone Rock Premier League, the Regional Division I League, and the District Division II League, noting that steady progress is being made.

However, he cautioned that more work remains, encouraging the Referees’ Management Committee to continue guiding officials who are yet to fully embrace professionalism on the field.

Also addressing the gathering, the Chairman of the Eastern Region Referees Association, Abdul Kamara, alias Akito, welcomed participants and commended the strong collaboration between the referees’ body and the Eastern Region Football Association. He described the partnership as productive and beneficial, urging his colleagues to take full advantage of the training.

The Referees’ Manager of the Sierra Leone Referees Association, Alhaji Rashid Sanusie, expressed appreciation to ERFA for organizing what he described as a well-coordinated training program. He acknowledged time constraints but encouraged participants to remain focused and absorb as much knowledge as possible to effectively train referees under their supervision.

In his closing remarks, ERFA Secretary Abu Bakarr Sidiki Kallon, popularly known as Cantona, praised the Referees’ Management Committee for what he termed a “perfect collaboration.” He reaffirmed the region’s commitment to continuous engagement through seminars and other developmental initiatives aimed at improving refereeing standards.

Cantona also lauded the leadership of the SLFA for decentralizing key football development activities, making such training accessible to regional stakeholders.

The training is being facilitated by experienced instructors, including Alhaji Rahim, a Technical Instructor, and Bristo Ibrahim Kamara, a Physical Instructor.

The seminar is expected to conclude tomorrow with participants undergoing an examination, after which certificates will be awarded to successful attendees.