Australian AFC Elite Panel Referees and Assistant Referees have recently attended the AFC Refereeing Seminar held in Kuala Lumpur from 4–7 December 2015.
The seminar comprised of theoretical and practical components and focused on improved understanding of handball, severity of fouls, offside, man management, and understanding team tactics.
Referees Ben Williams, Chris Beath, Jarred Gillett and Peter Green were joined at the seminar by Assistant Referees, Allyson Flynn, Ashley Beecham, Anton Shchetinin, David Walsh, Matthew Cream, Nathan MacDonald, Paul Cetrangolo and Sarah Ho.
Arriving back in Australia, FFA fulltime referee Chris Beath spoke about the benefit and value of the AFC Seminar.
“The seminar is a great chance to learn from and share experiences with other top referees throughout Asia,” Beath said.
“We cover a wide range of topics in detail and then have the opportunity to test ourselves during the practical drills. Working with the AFC / FIFA instructors is one of the most beneficial aspects and I believe every referee returns as better referee as a result of the AFC Seminar.”
Fellow fulltime referee Jarred Gillett echoed Beath’s sentiments and praised the work the AFC is doing to continue to develop refereeing in Asia.
“AFC have dedicated a lot of resources to improve the standard of refereeing in Asia in recent years and I found the seminar very beneficial,” he said.
“The instructors at the seminar were the best in AFC and I’ve returned with more knowledge, experience and renewed focus.”
Speaking at conclusion of the seminar, AFC Acting General Secretary Dato’ Windsor John urged all Match Officials to scale new heights.
“Refereeing is a crucial part in the success of AFC competitions. We must all aim for excellence. With its new Vision and Mission, the AFC has identified clear and ambitious goals for the organisation and for football in Asia. You are all a key part of this ambition and I hope you share this dream and passion.”