Canadian Referees

Arrowsmith to be inducted into the Soccer Hall of Fame

2012-02-24T12:37:00.005-09:00

Gordon Arrowsmith will be inducted into the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame as a builder. He was born in London, England of Scottish parents. Arrowsmith started refereeing in Scotland in 1965 and brought five years of experience with him when he immigrated to Canada in 1970, where took up refereeing again in 1972 and soon achieved national recognition. He began refereeing in the North American Soccer League in 1981 and was appointed to the FIFA List in 1982. His international experience includes the President’s Cup in South Korea and other international matches. Arrowsmith was on the FIFA List for 10 years and officiated at the Canadian Soccer League Finals in 1988 and 1991.

The Soccer Hall of Fame 2012 Inductees

Players

Charmaine Hooper – Played 129 times for Canada, voted Canada’s Female Player of the Year in 1994, 1995 and 2002.
Carlo Corazzin – Played 59 times for Canada and was a member of Canada’s CONCACAF Gold Cup winning team in 2000.
Mark Watson – Played 78 times for Canada between 1991 and 2004 making his full international debut against Honduras. His lengthy club career took him back and forth between North America and Europe.
Andrea Neil – Played 132 times for Canada. Played in 5 FIFA World Cups.

Builders

Angus Barrett – Angus has been involved in soccer for more than 45 years representing both the Newfoundland and Labrador and the Canadian Soccer Association.
Gordon Arrowsmith – Long time referee in the NASL. On Canada’s FIFA list from 1982 – 1991 and officiated at the Canadian Soccer League Finals in 1988 and 1991.

Pioneer Award

John Richardson – Long time B.C. Administrator as secretary of the B.C. Soccer Commission a position he had held since its inception in 1933. He was also a council member of the Dominion Football Association from 1948 until his death.

Organization of Distinction

Victoria West - Formed in 1896 and won numerous provincial championships. They were national champions in 1976, 1979, 1982 and 1984.

Team of Distinction

The 1989 Francophone Games Gold Medal Winning Canadian Men’s Team. The Canadian Men’s team under extreme conditions went on to make soccer history by winning the Gold Medal at the first Francophone Games held in Morocco in 1989.

The Soccer Hall of Fame’s 2012 Induction Ceremonies will take place over the weekend of 2-3 June 2012, in Toronto.

CONCACAF U-20 Women’s Championship 2012

2012-02-15T11:27:00.004-09:00

Referees

1. Quetzalli Alvarado Godinez (MEX, 1975, photo)
2. Alondra Arellano Sandoval (MEX, 1984)
3. Dianne Ferreira-James (GUY, 1970)
4. Maria Flores Castillo (CRC, 1980)
5. Sabina Charles-Kirton (LCA, 1978)
6. Gillian Martindale (BRB, 1974)
7. Annia Navarrete Viera (CUB, 1973)
8. Cardela Samules (JAM, 1983)
9. Alicia Villatoro Monterroso (GUA, 1977)
10. Deborah Zebeda (SUR, 1981)

Assistant Referees
1. Elizabeth Aguilar Molina (SLV, 1987)
2. Elizabeth Cuff Canteros (CUB, 1976)
3. Lixy Enriquez Guerrero (MEX, 1973)
4. Nikasie Liverpool (GUY, 1974)
5. Patricia Pacheco Artero (SLV, 1973)
6. Shirley Perello Lopez (HON, 1986)
7. Veronica Perez (USA, 1979)
8. Mady Santos Turcios (HON, 1987)
9. Lesbia Tzul Juarez (GUA, 1979)
10. Antonette Williams (JAM, 1979)

Briere selected for CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying

2012-02-11T05:44:00.012-09:00

Canadian Philippe Briere is amongst the 10 assistant referees selected by CONCACAF for the Men's Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Nasvhille (USA). Born in 1979, Briere became a FIFA Assistant Referee in 2010 and last year was included on the CONCACAF Elite AR List. His first international tournament was the 2011 Pan-American Games in Mexico.
The CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying will begin on 22 March 2012 with a Group A doubleheader and continue the following night with a Group B twin-bill in Carson, California. The 8 teams are Canada, Cuba, El Salvador, USA (group A), Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Trinidad & Tobago (group B). The confederation's two Olympic qualifiers will be decided March 31 in Kansas City, Kansas, in the semifinals, with the tournament finishing two days later.

Referees
1. Elmer Bonilla (SLV)
2. Hugo Cruz (CRC)
3. Roberto Garcia (MEX)
4. Valdin Legister (JAM)
5. Walter Lopez (GUA)
6. Jair Marrufo (USA)
7. Jafeth Perea (PAN)
8. Hector Rodriguez (HON)
9. Javier Santos (PUR)
10. Enrico Wijngaarde (SUR)

Assistant Referees
1. Eric Boria (USA)
2. Phillipe Briere (CAN, photo)
3. Keytzel Corrales (NIC)
4. Melvyn Cruz (HON)
5. Hector Delgadillo (MEX)
6. Juan Lemus (GUA)
7. Antonio Lopez (PUR)
8. Ricardo Louisville (SUR)
9. Dion Neil (TRI)
10. Hector Recinos (SLV)

New Match Officials on the National List 2012

2012-02-08T11:54:00.003-09:00

The following match officials have been selected by the Canadian Soccer Association to join the National List in 2012: Jean-Philippe Jalbert (QC) and Rubinco Smilev (BC) – referees, Michael Barwegan (AB), Gianni Facchini (ON, photo), Peter Manastyrsky (MB), Jean-Francois Marchand (QC) and Steve Pollock (SK) – assistant referees. They are currently taking part in the National Camp and tomorrow will have to pass the fitness test, indoor, in Montreal in order to become eligible for national appointments (NASL, MLS Reserves) in 2012.

Charbonneau at Algarve Cup 2012

2012-02-06T11:46:00.003-09:00

After receiving her FIFA AR badge at the beginning of this year and taking part in the CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying, Marie-Josee Charbonneau, has already been appointed to another international tournament. From 29 February to 7 March 2012 she will officiate as assistant referee at the 19th edition of the Algarve Cup, an invitational women’s soccer tournament held annually in Portugal. The following national teams will participate this year: China, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Japan, Norway, Portugal, Ireland, Sweden, USA and Wales.

This international tournament is used by the FIFA Refereeing Department to train and observe female referees and assistant referees candidates for future FIFA women’s competitions. Carol Anne Chenard’s successful participation in previous editions of the Algarve Cup contributed to her selection for the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany.

National Referee Camp 2012

2012-02-03T08:43:00.005-09:00

The 2012 National Referee Camp will be held from 8 to 12 February, at the Quebec Soccer Federation in Laval. On Thursday, 9 February, all national referees and assistant referees (with the exception of those on the MLS List) will take the fitness test, indoor, at McGill University in Montreal. The camp will be conducted by two FIFA RAP instructors, Peter Prendergast (Jamaica, photo) and Edwin Silva (Honduras), along with Marie-Julie Allaire (QC) and Isaac Raymond (ON). Prendergast, who refereed at the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea/Japan, and Silva, who is a FIFA Fitness Instructor, work at the FIFA Referee Development Offices for the CONCACAF region, while Allaire, a former FIFA AR, and Raymond, a former National AR, are Canadian national instructors.

WPS suspended its 2012 season

2012-02-02T11:54:00.007-09:00

Women’s Professional Soccer won’t play the 2012 season amid a legal dispute with an ousted owner. The league’s Board of Governors voted to suspend the season with hopes of resuming in 2013, the WPS announced.

In October, it terminated its South Florida franchise after clashing with owner Dan Borislow all season. A Florida judge ruled earlier this month that the league failed to follow its own dispute procedures when it terminated the franchise. WPS CEO Jennifer O’Sullivan said owners chose to cancel the season over possibly working with Borislow in the league again. “We have diverted so many resources into litigation,” she said. “This is something that needs to be resolved before we can move forward with play”. Borislow purchased the former Washington Freedom before last season and moved the club to South Florida, renaming it for a telephone call device he invented. The Magic Jack franchise was repeatedly disciplined during the season for not meeting league standards. In August, after Borislow filed suit against the WPS, the league released a statement accusing him of violations ranging from “unprofessional and disparaging treatment of his players to failure to pay his bills”.
The league has only played three seasons. It needed a waiver from the U.S. Soccer Federation to be sanctioned as a first-division league in 2012 with only five teams, below the required eight. In the deal with the governing body in December, WPS agreed to increase the number of teams to a minimum of six for 2013 and at least eight for 2014.
A longtime thoroughbred owner, Borislow was an outspoken figure in horse racing but sold most of his stable because of a dispute with the IRS. O’Sullivan was not yet CEO when he was approved as an owner, but she acknowledged the vetting process might have been hurried. “I do think the league at the time was in a situation where they were in a bit of a rush,” she said.
The attention paid to the Olympics would have been valuable marketing for the WPS during the 2012 season. The league’s predecessor, the Women’s United Soccer Association, folded after only three years.

Source: Yahoo Sports

CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying – Final

2012-01-29T05:49:00.008-09:00

29 January 2012

Canada – USA
Referee: Quetzalli Alvarado (MEX, photo)
Assistant Referee 1: Shirley Perello (HON)
Assistant Referee 2: Kimberly Moreira (CRC)
Fourth Official: Gillian Martindale (BRB)
Fifth Official: Stacy Greyson (JAM)

CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying – Semi-finals

2012-01-27T06:57:00.006-09:00

27 January 2012

Canada – Mexico

Referee: Dianne Ferreira-James (GUY, photo)
Assistant Referee 1: Stacy Greyson (JAM)
Assistant Referee 2: Milagros Leonardo (DOM)
Fourth Official: Cardella Samuels (JAM)

USA – Costa Rica

Referee: Irazema Aguilera (CUB)
Assistant Referee 1: Shirley Perello (HON)
Assistant Referee 2: Patricia Pacheco (SLV)
Fourth Official: Gillian Martindale (BRB)

CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying – Group Stage (II)

2012-01-23T20:15:00.025-09:00

23 January 2012

Cuba – Haiti

Referee: Alicia Villatoro (GUA)

Assistant Referee 1: Emperatriz Ayala (SLV)

Assistant Referee 2: Patricia Pacheco (SLV)

Fourth Official: Quetzalli Alvarado (MEX)

Canada – Costa Rica

Referee: Kari Seitz (USA)

Assistant Referee 1: Marlene Duffy (USA)

Assistant Referee 2: Mayte Chavez (MEX)

Fourth Official: Margaret Domka (USA)

24 January 2012

USA – Mexico

Referee: Carol Anne Chenard (CAN, photo)

Assistant Referee 1: Marie-Josee Charbonneau (CAN)
Assistant Referee 2: Shirley Perello (HON)
Fourth Official: Irazema Aguilera (CUB)

Guatemala – Dominican Republic
Referee: Cardella Samuels (JAM)
Assistant Referee 1: Stacy Greyson (JAM)
Assistant Referee 2: Cindy Mohammed (TRI)
Fourth Official: Dianne Ferreira-James (GUY)

CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying – Group Stage (I)

2012-01-19T11:18:00.017-09:00

19 January 2012
Costa Rica – Cuba
Referee: Quetzalli Alvarado (MEX)
Assistant Referee 1: Mayte Chavez (MEX)
Assistant Referee 2: Milagros Leonardo (DOM)
Fourth Official: Alicia Villatoro (GUA)

Canada – Haiti

Referee: Kari Seitz (USA)
Assistant Referee 1: Marlene Duffy (USA)
Assistant Referee 2: Patricia Pacheco (SLV)
Fourth Official: Gillian Martindale (BRB)

20 January 2012

Mexico – Guatemala

Referee: Dianne Ferreira-James (GUY)
Assistant Referee 1: Cindy Mohammed (TRI)
Assistant Referee 2: Marie-Josee Charbonneau (CAN, photo)
Fourth Official: Carol Anne Chenard (CAN)

Dominican Republic – USA

Referee: Cardella Samuels (JAM)
Assistant Referee 1: Stacy Greyson (JAM)
Assistant Referee 2: Kimberly Moreira (CRC)
Fourth Official: Maria Flores (CRC)

21 January 2012
Haiti – Costa Rica
Referee: Alicia Villatoro (GUA)
Assistant Referee 1: Emperatriz Ayala (SLV)
Assistant Referee 2: Patricia Pacheco (SLV)
Fourth Official: Margaret Domka (USA)

Canada – Cuba
Referee: Gillian Martindale (BRB)
Assistant Referee 1: Milagros Leonardo (DOM)
Assistant Referee 2: Mayte Chavez (MEX)
Fourth Official: Quetzalli Alvarado (MEX)

22 January 2012
Mexico – Dominican Republic
Referee: Maria Flores (CRC)
Assistant Referee 1: Kimberly Moreira (CRC)
Assistant Referee 2: Marie-Josee Charbonneau (CAN)
Fourth Official: Carol Anne Chenard (CAN)

USA – Guatemala
Referee: Irazema Aguilera (CUB)
Assistant Referee 1: Shirley Perello (HON)
Assistant Referee 2: Stacy Greyson (JAM)
Fourth Official: Cardella Samuels (JAM)

CONCACAF Women’s Elite Referees Course 2012

2012-01-18T21:12:00.013-09:00

In preparation for the 2012 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament, Canada hosted in Vancouver a four-day women's elite training course for 29 referees and assistant referees.

The course, conducted by CONCACAF Director of Referee Administration and FIFA Referees Committee member Carlos Batres, included a fitness test and classroom instruction on various topics from professionalism and fitness to game management and handling of dissent. Referee assessors Lynda Bramble-Thompson, Patricia Miranda, Esther Maria Paez and Sandra Serafini along with instructors Peter Prendergast, Rodolfo Sibrian, Edwin Silva and Jennifer Bennett (photo) provided instruction along with video review, discussions on matters such as match situation analysis and tactical fouls, as well as practical field sessions.

CONCACAF Elite Women Referees
1. Irazema Aguilera Fuentes (CUB)
2. Quetzalli Alvarado Godinez (MEX)
3. Sabina Charles Kirton (LCA)
4. Carol Anne Chenard (CAN)
5. Margaret Domka (USA)
6. Dianne Ferreira-James (GUY)
7. Maria Flores Castillo (CRC)
8. Gillian Martindale (BRB)
9. Annia Navarrete (CUB)
10. Michelle Pye (CAN)
11. Cardella Samuels (JAM)
12. Kari Seitz (USA)
13. Alicia Villatoro Monterroso (GUA)
14. Lucila Venegas (MEX)

CONCACAF Elite Women Assistant Referees
1. Emperatriz Ayala Lopez (SLV)
2. Enedina Caudillo (MEX)
3. Marie-Josee Charbonneau (CAN)
4. Mayte Chavez Garcia (MEX)
5. Elizabeth Cuff (CUB)
6. Marlene Duffy (USA)
7. Stacy Ann Greyson (JAM)
8. Milagros Leonardo (DOM)
9. Nikasie Liverpool (GUY)
10. Cindy Mohammed (TRI)
11. Kimberly Moreira Rojas (CRC)
12. Patricia Pacheco Artero (SLV)
13. Shirley Perello Lopez (HON)
14. Marisol Salazar (GUA)
15. Antonette Williams (JAM)

Source: CONCACAF

Fletcher: From the U-20 Final to the World Cup

2012-01-11T07:10:00.006-09:00

Joe Fletcher was fortunate enough to be selected for a FIFA tournament in his first year on the international AR list. In 2007 he participated in the FIFA U-20 World Cup on home soil. “At that time, it came as a surprise, since I was asked a few weeks prior to the tournament to replace a colleague, as FIFA wanted a trio from the host nation. It was a very huge break very early in my FIFA career and was just happy to be there. I was very inexperienced and did not have an idea of what was involved and what the month would be like. We were quite anonymous, could walk in and out of the hotel freely, with FIFA gear or not. The tournament was known about, but only thrived within the Canadian soccer community”, said Fletcher about his very first FIFA tournament. He replaced the AR Simon Fearn, who failed a fitness test, and was supposed to work along with referee Mauricio Navarro. Unfortunately, Navarro got injured and was replaced with Steven DePiero, but the Canadian trio (DePiero – Vergara, Fletcher) only got one match, Czech Republic – Panama, played in Montreal. At this tournament, Joe experienced his first FIFA debrief sessions. “There were quite a few errors and the instructors were clear to let us know what they were not happy about. Amongst other aspects, I learned the importance of things which happen off the field and how one action can impact so many outcomes, as there isn’t much to choose between officials at this level”.

In 2011, based on his performances internationally (FIFA WC Qualifiers/CONCACAF Champions League) and domestically (MLS), Fletcher was selected again for a FIFA U-20 World Cup, but this time in a trio with a referee (Mark Geiger) and the other AR (Sean Hurd) from the USA. He was one of about 5 officials who had ever worked at a FIFA tournament before. “In comparison with Canada 2007, we were extremely well taken care of in Colombia, as we had our own line for customs and boarding passes waiting for us upon arrival at the airports. Bogota is 2650 meters above sea level. The first few days of training were hard for everyone. The fitness test was done prior to the tournament, within the confederations, to avoid “problems” similar to what happened at the U-17 World Cup in Mexico. We were extremely popular (especially with any FIFA gear on) and would be asked for autographs and pictures. Throughout the country this was the main event going on”. Fletcher and his colleagues from the North American trio displayed excellent performances in their first three matches and, as a consequence, they were selected to stay until the end. “The tournament was held in a Spanish-speaking country and quite a few officials/instructors spoke French, but I was able to interact with everyone far better than before. The instructors were more than happy with our collective performance, constantly telling us that, as a group, this was some of the best work they had seen (they alluded to issues in Mexico). Refereeing was seldom (if at all) mentioned in the news, which meant that we were doing our job. As an assistant referee, I worked 3 matches through the round of 16, was selected to stay till the end (first surprise) and then selected to work the final (a dream come true). It was a very strong refereeing field, our performances on the field were matched, if not surpassed, by some of our colleagues, but the work in training, the classroom and other off field conduct may have just given us that extra bit to be selected to the latter rounds and the subsequent final. I hope that I have not damaged the reputations others like Hector Vergara and Carol Anne Chenard have built in recent times and am hopeful to represent Canada at another FIFA event”, concluded Joe Fletcher. He is the only hope of the Canadian refereeing for the next World Cup and the fact that Mark Geiger is on the list of candidate referees is a good sign.

Olympic Qualifiers for Chenard and Charbonneau

2012-01-10T10:45:00.017-09:00

Two Canadian match officials will start the new year with international matches. Referee Carol Anne Chenard and assistant referee Marie-Josee Charbonneau have been appointed by CONCACAF for the Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament at BC Place in Vancouver, from 19-29 January 2012. The eight CONCACAF teams are divided into two groups, with Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba and Haiti in Group A and Dominic Republic, Guatemala, Mexico and USA in Group B. The top-two teams from each group will advance to the semi-final stage. Winners of the semi-final matches will earn a spot in the CONCACAF Championship and will also qualify for the London 2012 Olympics.

The Olympic Football Tournament is the only major competition missing from Chenard’s palmares, so this appointment may open the doors for Carol Anne to referee at the London 2012 Olympic Games. On the other hand, this qualifying tournament will mark the official debut as FIFA AR for Charbonneau, who entered the international list on 1 January 2012.

CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying 2012 – Canada

Referees
1. Gillian Martindale (BRB, 1974)
2. Carol Anne Chenard (CAN, 1977)
3. Maria Flores Castillo (CRC, 1980)
4. Irazema Aguilera Fuentes (CUB, 1971)
5. Alicia Villatoro Monterroso (GUA, 1977)
6. Dianne Ferreira-James (GUY, 1970)
7. Cardella Samuels (JAM, 1983)
8. Quetzalli Alvarado Godinez (MEX, 1975)
9. Kari Seitz (USA, 1970)
10. Margaret Domka (USA, 1979) - Fourth official

Assistant Referees
1. Marie-Josee Charbonneau (CAN, 1982)
2. Kimberly Moreira Rojas (CRC, 1986)
3. Milagros Leonardo Carmona (DOM, 1983)
4. Shirley Perello Lopez (HON, 1986)
5. Stacy Ann Greyson (JAM, 1986)
6. Mayte Chavez Garcia (MEX, 1979)
7. Emperatriz Ayala Lopez (SLV, 1980)
8. Patricia Pacheco Artero (SLV, 1973)
9. Cindy Mohammed (TRI, 1973)
10. Marlene Duffy (USA, 1979)

Canadians added to the MLS List in 2012

2012-01-09T11:34:00.019-09:00

Canadian referees and assistant referees recently participated, along with their colleagues from the USA, in the 2012 MLS pre-season camp, held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They took the fitness test and attended technical sessions. There are two new names added to the MLS list for this year: referee Mathieu Bourdeau (Quebec) and assistant referee Marco Arruda (British Columbia).

Canadian MLS Match Officials 2012

Referees

1. Silviu Petrescu (ON, FIFA, photo)

2. Paul Ward (BC, FIFA)

3. David Gantar (AB, FIFA)
4. Geoff Gamble (ON, National)
5. Drew Fischer (AB, National)
6. Mathieu Bourdeau (QC, National)

Assistant Referees

1. Joe Fletcher (ON, FIFA)
2. Philippe Briere (QC, FIFA)
3. Daniel Belleau (QC, FIFA)
4. Darren Clark (BC, FIFA)
5. Kevin Duliba (BC, National)
6. Marco Arruda (BC, National)

Assessors
1. Gordon Arrowsmith (ON)
2. Robert Sawtell (BC)
3. Amato DeLuca (ON)

FIFA List 2012

2012-01-06T10:21:00.013-09:00

At the end of 2011, Canadian soccer lost its best referee of the last decade (Mauricio Navarro) and its best-ever assistant referee (Hector Vergara), who both reached 45 and had to retire due to the mandatory international retirement age. Although very young, Darci Kruse (32) also retired due to the lack of international appointments in the previous years. None of them was replaced on the FIFA List. The only new name is the female assistant referee Marie-Josee Charbonneau (photo), who was nominated for the first time, while Suzanne Morisset came back on the international list after one year.

Men – Referees
1. David Gantar (AB, b.1975, F.2011)
2. Silviu Petrescu (ON, b.1968, F.2002)
3. Paul Ward (BC, b.1973, F.2007)

Men – Assistant Referees
1. Daniel Belleau (QC, b.1974, F.2007)
2. Philippe Briere (QC, b.1979, F.2010)
3. Darren Clark (BC, b.1975, F.2008)
4. Joe Fletcher (ON, b.1976, F.2007)

Women – Referees
1. Carol Anne Chenard (ON, b.1977, F.2006)
2. Michelle Pye (BC, b.1978, F.2007)

Women – Assistant Referees
1. Marie-Josee Charbonneau (QC, b.1982, F.2012)
2. Suzanne Morisset (QC, b.1984, F.2008)

Vergara, appointed to the FIFA Referees Committee

2012-01-04T09:44:00.013-09:00

Recently retired from active refereeing, Hector Vergara has been appointed to the new FIFA Referees Committee. Vergara was the best-ever Canadian assistant referee, with 19 years on the FIFA AR List and 11 FIFA competitions under his belt, including three World Cups. His World Cup appointments included two third place matches (2002, 2010) and the 2006 semi-final Germany - Italy. On his list of accomplishments are also six CONCACAF Gold Cups (three finals), the 2004 Olympic Games (semi-final), the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, two FIFA Club World Cups (finals in 2005 and 2009), as well as two FIFA U-20 World Cups (2001, 2007) and two FIFA U-17 World Cups (1995, 1993).

FIFA Referees Committee 2012-2015

Chairman

Angel Maria Villar Llona (Spain)

Deputy Chairmen

Michel D’Hooghe (Belgium) - Competitions
Zhang Jilong (China) - Development

Members - Competitions

Peter Mikkelsen (Denmark)
Tarek Bouchamaoui (Tunisia)
Fatou Gaye (Senegal)
Toru Kamikawa (Japan)
Lee Harmon (Cook Islands)
Ingrid Jonsson (Sweden)
Jassim Mandi (Bahrain)
Celestin Ntagungira (Rwanda)
Carlos Batres (Guatemala) - Inspectors Refereeing
Jorge Larrionda (Uruguay) - Inspectors Refereeing
Alfredo Trentalange (Italy) - Inspectors Refereeing
Terence Babwah (Trinidad & Tobago) - Medical Committee

Members - Development

Belaid Lacarne (Algeria)
Carlos Alarcon (Paraguay)
Michal Listkiewicz (Poland)
Ted Howard (USA)
Lambert Maltock (Vanuatu)
Katriina Elovirta (Finland)
Jacqueline Leleu (Australia)
Hector Vergara (Canada)
Subkhiddin Mohd Salleh (Malaysia) - Instructors Refereeing
Michael Riley (England) - Instructors Refereeing
Oscar Ruiz (Colombia) - Instructors Refereeing
James Sekajugo (Uganda) - Medical Committee

Chenard's experience at the Women's World Cup

2011-12-29T20:01:00.008-09:00

After successfully refereeing the 2010 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Final, Carol Anne Chenard was selected for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2011. “It was a dream come true when I received the letter officially appointing me to the Women’s World Cup in Germany. Although I had performed well at the selection camp and had also had two strong U-20 Women’s World Cup performances, nothing is ever a sure thing until you receive the invitation letter (and even then, I always say nothing is for sure until you are walking onto the pitch)”, said Chenard. She spent 34 summer days in Germany. “This time around in Germany was a different experience than my previous FIFA events as all of Frankfurt (the referees’ home base) was decked out and ready to support this great event and all the teams participating. Signs, advertisements and fan zones were all over. The referees arrived 10 days before the event in order to have our medicals done, participate in classroom and on-field training sessions and, of course, pass the fitness test. I am proud to say that only one fourth official (out of 51 match officials) did not pass the fitness test and this was due to injury. Only after the successful fitness test, we can truly say that we are World Cup referees! The referees at the Women’s World Cup were not isolated like the referees were at the Men’s World Cup. We stayed in a hotel in the heart of Frankfurt and that allowed us to explore a little during our free time. We did have security, but for the first time (at least for me) we did have photographers try and sneak around and take pictures of us. We also were not as anonymous as we usually are. The fans were very knowledgeable and several times we were asked it we were referees while we were out. We were even asked to get our photographs taken with fans”.

Chenard was assigned three matches as a referee plus two fourth officials. Excellent performances in the first two matches brought her a semi-final, Japan – Sweden, with two teams that she already knew as being the most disciplined. She let them play as much as possible, allowing for a good flow. Many opinions indicated Carol Anne Chenard as the best referee of the tournament, but the presence of the USA in the final made her semi-final the most she could possibly achieve as a referee from the same confederation (CONCACAF) as one of the finalists. “I experienced this tournament slightly differently than most referees because I was one of very few officials that did not work with the same assistants throughout the tournament. In fact, I did not work any game with the same assistants. This can be difficult, as we did not have the luxury of having worked many games together in preparation for the tournament and, in my case, we spoke three different languages, with me being the only one that could speak all three. Speaking multiple languages is definitely a plus. A very clear pre-game, confidence, decisiveness and leadership on the pitch also become more important when trying to overcome the language barrier. I refereed 3 matches (Colombia – Sweden, England – Japan and the semi-final Sweden – Japan) and was fourth official for 2 games (Norway – Brazil and Germany – Japan). In all, I was involved in the most games of any official at the event. All of my games were a pleasure to be a part of. The teams were there to play soccer and to showcase their talent. Almost all games were played with a great spirit of fair-play. Imagine being involved in a World Cup semi-final, where the referee can let the game flow and only call 11 fouls. It was truly a pleasure to be part of these games”.

After every set of games, there was a debriefing where only the referees, the instructors and the referee committee members were present. They look at video clips and decisions, both good and bad, in an attempt to learn from other’s experiences. “This event went very well from a refereeing standpoint, but of course there were some controversial moments. Perhaps the most talked about controversy was the missed handball in the penalty area by Equatorial Guinea in their game against Australia. I did not see this game live, nor was I present at the debriefing as I was working a game on the same day and then travelling directly to my next game. I will say that the atmosphere was not great when I got back to our home base, as no referee or crew wants to make a mistake, let alone one on the biggest stage. Mistakes affect all referees, as we truly are a big support to one another. During the debriefing, we discuss why the decision was missed, how information is communicated from other members of the officiating team to the referee, the responsibilities of each member of the team (and when you must overstep them) and what to do if this type of situation happens in your game. This mistake arose because of a simple miscommunication and misunderstanding. I will say that after this incident, I added something to my pregame regarding how to get me to stop play if one of my crew have attempted to communicate something to me and I am not responding or understanding”.

Carol Anne shared with us an important thing that she learned at this event: “Even though there were many, it was made very clear that each official involved in the game, referee, assistant or 4th official, must have an opinion on what is happening in the game. Critical decisions cannot be missed and even though something occurs outside of what we might consider our area of responsibility, the referee team must get it right. All members of the team must be ready to make decisions and give their opinion. There is nowhere to hide in these games. There were up to 25 cameras around the field, capturing each incident. In reality, there are no referee decisions or assistant referee decisions when it comes to important moments in the match. As an example, the 4th official must be ready to help the referee crew out when necessary. With the communication system, this help can actually be quite seamless and make the referee team look good no matter where the decision is coming from”.

In 2015, the FIFA Women’s World Cup will be hosted by Canada. Being one of the best referees in the world and also being from the host country will bring Carol Anne Chenard very close to the biggest dream of every referee – the World Cup Final. “Overall, the atmosphere in the stadiums, the level of soccer knowledge of the fans and the quality of the soccer, made this the best WWC. I have never spoken to so many people who watched and followed this entire event from start to finish. I believe it has made many lifetime fans of women’s international soccer. What a great way to showcase what is to come in 2014 and 2015 when Canada hosts the U-20 WWC and the WWC”, concluded Carol Anne Chenard.

Navarro: Retirement with the world champions

2011-12-21T12:20:00.008-09:00

Mauricio Navarro has been the best Canadian male referee of the last 15 years. Chile-born Navarro moved to Canada, started refereeing in 1984 and became a FIFA referee in 2000. One year later, he was invited at the Copa America, in Columbia, where he refereed Uruguay – Bolivia, which he cited as one of the most difficult matches in his career. Having impressed right from his first international matches, Mauricio Navarro was selected for the 2003 Gold Cup in Mexico, although he was only in his third year as a FIFA referee. He displayed excellent qualities and was appointed for the Gold Cup final Mexico – Brazil, which was the pinnacle of his career. Becoming Canada’s top referee, Navarro received continued support from CONCACAF with appointments at several important continental competitions, including the next two Gold Cups, with a quarter-final (Panama – Honduras) in 2007. He also had excellent appearances in the CONCACAF club competitions. After three consecutive semi-finals (DC United – Pumas in 2005, America – Alajuelense in 2006, Pachuca – Houston in 2007), he reached the top in 2008, when he refereed the CONCACAF Champions Cup final Pachuca – Deportivo Saprissa. In the same year, he became the first (and, so far, the only) Canadian referee appointed for the MLS All-Stars match.
Navarro took part in the CONCACAF qualifiers for 4 World Cups (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014), but, unfortunately, never reached the final tournament. FIFA turned their eyes towards him in 2007, when he was appointed for the U-20 World Cup in Canada. Very unlucky, Mauricio injured himself and ended up acting only as a fourth official. Already 41 at that time, he lost his last chance for a possible World Cup. As a consolation, in 2008 he had the pleasure of refereeing two of Argentina’s friendly matches against Mexico and Guatemala. Finally, he had the great honour to be on the field with the current world champions in his last international match, Costa Rica – Spain, on 15 November 2011.

“There are many referees in Canada that I have had the pleasure of meeting and working in different games with and every one of them brought something to my experience. However, there is one person in particular that I want to express my thanks to for his contributions to making me better. Mauricio Navarro is the best referee Canada has had for a number of years and we have officiated many important international matches together. He has always been a great friend, who has provided tremendous support and encouragement throughout his years on the FIFA list”, said Hector Vergara, Canada’s best assistant referee with 14 matches in three different World Cups, recently retired from international refereeing.

International tournaments
2008 CONCACAF Champions Cup Final: Pachuca - Saprissa
2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup – Canada (4th official)
2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup – USA
2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup – USA
2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final: Mexico - Brazil
2001 CONMEBOL Copa America – Colombia

Hector Vergara – the best AR in Canadian soccer

2011-12-15T11:23:00.007-09:00

Hector Vergara was born 45 years ago in Chile, but grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He began his refereeing career in 1983, at only 17, and has become the most prolific assistant referee in the Canadian soccer history.

Vergara, who is married and has 4 children, spent 19 years on the FIFA AR List and was involved in 11 FIFA competitions. Three of those competitions were FIFA World Cups (2002, 2006, 2010). Hector claimed the record for most World Cup games as a referee/assistant referee at 14 when he took the field on 10 July 2010 in the third place match between Uruguay and Germany. His amazing World Cup appointments included two third place matches (2002, 2010), as well as the Germany - Italy semi-final in 2006. In total, Vergara officiated nearly 150 international matches involving clubs and national teams playing at the highest competitions in the world. His list of accomplishments include six CONCACAF Gold Cups (three finals), the 2004 Olympic Games (semi-final), the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, two FIFA Club World Cups (finals in 2005 and 2009), as well as two FIFA U-20 World Cups (2001, 2007) and two FIFA U-17 World Cups (1995, 1993).

Hector Vergara retired as a FIFA Assistant Referee on 12 November 2011, the day after his last international appointment, the FIFA World Cup Qualifying match between the US Virgin Islands and Curacao. "This was an expected retirement as FIFA officials must retire at the age of 45, which became reality in December 2011. I have had a wonderful 19 years on the FIFA list, which has provided me with the opportunity to see the world, experience fantastic sporting events, meet amazing people, make tons of friends, enjoy the "beautiful game" as a referee on the field amongst the world’s best players and teams, as well as be a spectator in awe at what was in front of me. Soccer has allowed me to be involved in 11 FIFA competitions. Of course, like anything in life, I have had some negative experiences and have come across a few individuals, funny enough mainly in Canada, who have tried to prevent my success either for political and personal gain or jealousy. But I am not going to focus on that part, they do not deserve the attention! Maybe some day in a book we can expose their conduct. Instead, I want this to be an opportunity to express my gratitude to those that have supported me along the way. It will be impossible to thank so many people that have positively influenced my participation in this great game. However, I will make a note of some who to some degree stand out for specific reasons. One of the people that have made a huge difference in many ways is Joanne. Ever since we have been together my career seems to have taken a new level and many great things started to happen. Her support has always been present and she has been at times my toughest coach, best friend and number one fan. There are many referees in Canada that I have had the pleasure of meeting and working in different games with and every one of them brought something to my experience. However, there is one person in particular that I want to express my thanks to for his contributions to making me better. Mauricio Navarro is the best referee Canada has had for a number of years, and we have officiated many important international matches together. He has always been a great friend, who has provided tremendous support and encouragement throughout his years on the FIFA list. In CONCACAF and FIFA there have been many referees, instructors, assessors and colleagues from around the world that have been part of my career. I am very happy to have met them and participated in some many matches together. We have shared many happy moments and in some cases very difficult ones that have made us all a better person and official. A particular thank you to Mr. Mathurin, who gave me the one opportunity I needed at a young age to make a first impression with FIFA, one that lasted 19 years. I know that he was always there even when no longer officially active. I hope I have not disappointed you", said Vergara in a media release.

International tournaments

2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final – USA: USA - Mexico

2010 FIFA World Cup – South Africa

2009 FIFA Club World Cup Final – UAE: Barcelona - Estudiantes

2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup – USA

2009 FIFA Confederations Cup – South Africa

2008 CONCACAF Champions Cup Final: Pachuca - Saprissa

2007 MLS SuperLiga Final – USA: LA Galaxy - CF Pachuca

2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup – Canada

2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup – USA

2006 FIFA World Cup – Germany

2005 FIFA Club World Cup Final – Japan: Sao Paulo - FC Liverpool

2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final – USA: USA - Panama

2004 Olympic Games – Athens

2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final – USA: Mexico - Brazil

2002 FIFA World Cup – Korea/Japan

2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup – USA

2001 FIFA U-20 World Cup – Argentina

1995 FIFA U-17 World Cup – Ecuador

1993 FIFA U-17 World Cup – Japan

Personal awards

Sport Manitoba Official of the Year (2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2010)
John Meachin Memorial Soccer Award (2003)
CSA International Achievement Award (2002)
MSA Frank Major Award of Merit (2002)
CSA Ray Morgan Memorial Award (1996)