From CIFA
The Cayman Islands Football Association (CIFA) earlier this month sent five local officials to participate in a FIFA Match Commissioner’s training course in Miami, furthering the development of these officials and enhancing the knowledge base of Caymanian football in general.

Mark Campbell, Kennedy Kelly, Sarah Jennifer Powery, Andrea Thompson and Martha Godet attended a one-day seminar in the United States, along with over ninety officials from the CONCACAF region. CIFA provided the opportunity to local match commissioners with the objective of improving the standard of those who execute such duties in local football and on the international stage.

The seminar provided a review of the match commissioner’s roles and responsibilities, and discussed new strategies and educational programmes implemented by the sport’s governing body, including crisis management, anti-discrimination and techniques to combat match manipulation.

“The seminar came at a perfect time,” said Mark Campbell.” With the FIFA World Cup 2018 Russia qualifying about to begin, the seminar provided a clear perspective of what FIFA wants in the role as match commissioners.”

“CIFA is committed to improving standards across the board”, said CIFA First Vice President Bruce Blake. “Our match commissioners play a critical role in the administration of football.”

Blake expressed confidence in the ability of the participants to transfer the knowledge passed on by Gordon Savic, FIFA Head of World Cup and Olympic qualifying, into local competitions.

“CIFA is fortunate to have capable and committed administrators, and we trust that they will continue to deliver their duties to best in class standards in domestic football,” said Blake.

Blake encouraged interested persons involved with local clubs to get involved as match commissioners. “The benefits of becoming a match commissioner are numerous,” Blake added. “A good match commissioner can be appointed to CONCACAF and FIFA matches and get the opportunity to travel the world.”

Campbell also endorsed the advantages of giving time to the beautiful game as a match commissioner.

“If you are currently associated with a club or in football at some level, CIFA provides opportunity to take your involvement to the highest level,” he said.

The main functions of a match commissioners are to:

Carry out joint inspection of the field of play prior to the start of a game
Liaise with security personal on stadium and team security strategies
Ensure the on time and accurate completion and submission of team sheets prior to the start of a match
Ensure the timely and orderly start of the match, and
Submit detailed post-match report.

Interested persons should contact the Cayman Islands Football Association at 949-5775.

IMAGE: Kennedy Kelly (middle) flanked by CONCACAF officials at the Match Coordination Meeting ahead of the CONCACAF Champions League Final in Mexico.