Ex-World Cup ref leads high-level Eswatini course

MBABANE – The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) opened the FIFA Member Association (MA) Referees Assessor Course at the Thokoza Church Centre in Mbabane, Eswatini on Monday.

The workshop, which concludes on Friday, is facilitated by former South African international referee Jerome Damon. Damon, who officiated at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, taking charge of group stage matches including New Zealand versus Slovakia and Denmark versus Japan, as well as serving as a fourth official at the 2006 tournament in Germany, brings a wealth of international experience to the course.

The programme is designed to strengthen refereeing standards and develop highly competent match officials across the country.

Damon highlighted the pivotal role assessors play in elevating officiating standards, noting that constructive evaluation extends beyond simply spotting errors to guiding referees toward better decision-making in upcoming matches.

“Over the next few days, we will explore the Laws of the Game, assessment methodologies, video analysis, reporting standards and effective feedback techniques. Our overarching objective is to establish a shared standard of excellence,” Damon said.

He urged participants to actively contribute, share their experiences and embrace the chance to enhance their role in the game, reinforcing that investing in assessors is a direct investment in the future of football.

Officially declaring the course open on behalf of EFA President Peter Simelane, EFA General Secretary Frederick Mngomezulu welcomed Damon back to the Kingdom and underscored the significance of assessors in upholding match standards.

“Referees’ assessors occupy a vital position in football. They act as both guardians of officiating standards and mentors to match officials. Through meticulous observation, fair evaluation, and constructive feedback, they help referees refine their decision-making, positioning, fitness, communication, and interpretation of the Laws of the Game,” Mngomezulu stated.

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