RANAU: A total of 42 participants from various districts in Sabah and Labuan took part in a two-day Basic Referee Course organised by the Ranau District Football Association (Safa Ranau), aimed at strengthening the pool of football officials at grassroots level.
The course, held on Oct 3 and 4 at the Ranau District Agriculture Department Multipurpose Hall, attracted participants from Ranau, Telupid, Tawau, Pitas, Kota Marudu, Kota Belud, Tambunan, Keningau, Penampang, Kota Kinabalu, Membakut and Labuan.
The participation of four women and seven students aged below 18 was among the highlights, reflecting growing interest among women and younger players in pursuing officiating as part of their involvement in football.
The course was conducted by Sabah State Referee Development Officer and national Referee Assessor (RA) Juin Joseph, together with former Fifa referee, former Sabah State Referee Development Officer and national RA Salim Limbai, better known as Zack Constantine.
The closing ceremony was officiated by Ranau District Referee Development Chairman Johairie @ Linggin Lapat, who represented Safa Ranau Honorary Secretary Hisyamudin Harun.
Johairie said the course was important in producing more referees who were knowledgeable, disciplined and well-versed in the Laws of the Game, which would contribute towards improving the overall standard of football officiating in Sabah.
“Refereeing is not simply about controlling a match. It requires discipline, firmness, integrity and a thorough understanding of the Laws of the Game.
“We hope the participants will use the knowledge and experience gained during the course as a first step towards building a career in refereeing,” he said.
He said Safa Ranau hoped participants would not stop after obtaining their state-level qualification, but continue improving their skills and knowledge with the aim of progressing to the national level.