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The path to FIFA status has become that much clearer for OFC referees with the introduction of new badges for the region.
At the OFC Men’s Champions League – Qualifier in Tonga, a new system has been put in place highlighting the referee development pathway with OFC.
The badges are broken down into two categories, aimed at leading referees to acquiring FIFA badge accreditation. They’ll be presented to match officials for a calendar year once they have met fitness and technical laws of the game requirements.
Category One, the OFC badge, is for those that have been identified by their Member Association as future FIFA nominated match officials, who are then nominated in Referee, Assistant Referee, Futsal Referee and Beach Soccer roles.
While Category Two, the OFC Academy badge, is for those that are identified as future FIFA nominated match officials, who are nominated by their Member Association in Referee, Assistant Referee, Futsal Referee and Beach Soccer roles.
OFC Head of Refereeing Kevin Stoltenkamp says those that have been presented the OFC Academy and OFC Referee Badges, are officials that have been identified as potential elite match officials.
“This is recognition that they have the fitness, mentality and attitude to reach a high level of match officiating,” says Stoltenkamp.
“The Referee Academy is the first step on the Referee pathway in OFC as part of their journey to becoming an Elite official. The expectation is that they will be more professional in their preparation, performance and attitude in their local competitions.”
Both badges differ in status. Category One match officials will be invited to officiate at OFC Tier Two competitions in the first instance and are eligible for nomination to OFC Tier One competitions pending availability of Elite category match officials.
While Category Two referees will be invited to officiate at OFC tier three competitions in the first instance, but are eligible for nomination to OFC Tier Two competitions pending availability of Category One match officials.
Under the guidance, education and mentoring from OFC Elite instructors, Stoltenkamp says OFC badge recipients “will be given opportunity to reach their full potential and align with the expectations of an elite match official and the responsibility that comes with the badge.”
