ISL organisers initiate measures for referee development

  Indian Super League has organised an open communication forum between teams' he coaches, representatives of All India Football Federation and its referees to discuss a number of aspects related to officiating of games and communication between coaches and match officials.

Representatives of Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) who officiate Premier League were in attendance to share ir experiences and provide guidance as part of ir tie-up with ISL and AIFF.

objective of this first-of-its-kind meeting, held on Thursday, was to ackwledge need for two-way communication between coaches and AIFF's appointed referees, to have constructive discussion while reviewing matches, and on continued development of match officials.

As first step, a specific allocated time following match-day will give opportunity to coaches to discuss with referees aspects of game that may have arisen where clarity is required and both parties can discuss issues that will benefit overall development of game in line with internationally best practices in football.

PGMOL officials have also been assisting AIFF on an ongoing basis with continued development and training of match officials supported by ISL and league is keen for this development programme to be invested in and furr developed.

AIFF's referee department has assigned 12 referees and 14 assistant referees for ongoing ISL 2020-21 season. In dition, ley Costa and Ramesh Babu have been attached to 26-member referee group with ISL as referees' coach.

All stakeholders involved believe this collective approach to furr develop a training and education programme will improve required level and consistency for officiating in Indian football.

(Im Courtesy: PTI)