MARGAO
The Goa Football Association (GFA) conducted a one-day Referee Refresher Course at the PJN Stadium, Fatorda, on Monday to prepare match officials for the upcoming football season.
The annual programme, organised on the initiative of GFA Referees Committee chairman Constancio Paul Rodrigues and conducted under the supervision of GFA Head of Referees Melwin D’Costa, focused on improving referees’ readiness and keeping them updated with the latest amendments to the Laws of the Game.
The course was attended by 65 referees from across Goa, along with 25 Match Commissioners and Referee Assessors.
AIFF-certified referee instructors Maria Rebello, Egidio D’Costa, Sainath Haldankar and Melwin D’Costa conducted the sessions, supported by GFA state instructors Raghunath Gasawi, Parmanand Mandrekar and Prasad Surlekar. The programme was held under the guidance of AIFF Referee Assessor Manager Anthony J D’Costa.
The sessions covered the new amendments to the Laws of the Game, positioning and movement, fair, reckless and serious foul play, offside, handball, tactical fouls and penalty-area incidents.
A dedicated session on the latest amendments was held to ensure that officials are prepared to implement the changes during GFA competitions.
Former GFA Match Commissioner Milagres Thereza said the refresher course was important for the betterment of referees and to ensure that matches are officiated according to the Laws of the Game.
“The course is aimed at improving referees and helping them understand the modifications to the Laws of the Game so that they can officiate matches correctly,” said Thereza.
The programme concluded with closing remarks and advice from Anthony J D’Costa. Melwin D’Costa urged officials to remain updated with the laws while maintaining high standards of fitness, discipline and professionalism.
The GFA said it remains committed to the continuous development of its refereeing workforce and ensuring quality officiating across its tournaments.
