From the beginning of the current season, the Youth Development Unit within the Referees’ Board of the Malta Football Association organized three courses for prospective trainee referees.
A first course was held in August/September in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Malta, at the Luqa Barracks.
Sixteen candidates attended the seven sessions held, where lectures about the Laws of the Game were delivered by Messrs P. Fenech, V. Mintoff, T.A. Restall and R. Stagno Navarra. At the end of the course, all candidates successfully sat for a written exam and were orally interviewed.
Ten of the candidates showed their intention of taking up refereeing. It is expected that they will do so soon after their affiliation with the Malta FA is processed.
In a short time, certificates will be distributed to the successful candidates in a fitting ceremony which will be held jointly by the Malta Football Association and the Armed Forces of Malta at the Luqa Barracks.
Meanwhile during the same period, a course was held at the Malta FA’s Headquarters at Ta’ Qali for two new recruits (one male and one female); both successfully passed their exams. Their affiliation has already been approved and they are on the point of commencing their refereeing career.
Another trainee course was held during October/November at the Malta FA’s Headquarters at Ta’ Qali. Five candidates (four male and one female) attended regularly the lectures delivered by members of the Referees’ Board. The written and oral tests were held last week. Once they pass their tests, these referees too will also be able to take up refereeing soon.