NEW YORK -- Fernando Tresaco, FIFA's Head of Refereeing, met Tuesday with CONCACAF officials to review referee development activities for 2010 and examine plans for the new year. The annual meeting, which focuses on the Referee Assistance Program (RAP), took place at the Confederation's headquarters in New York City.

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A steady increase of referee development activities over the three-history of the program highlighted the gathering's agenda. From 21 activities in 2008 to 45 in 2010, an impressive total of 99 has taken place throughout CONCACAF's three regions.

"We were very impressed with the progress this year, especially with reaching out to more national associations," said Chuck Blazer, CONCACAF General Secretary. "We are really pleased with the penetration that we are getting as we move forward with the objective of improving officiating in the Confederation."

The purpose of RAP is to establish appropriate conditions in which referees can improve and flourish. In order to accomplish this goal, referee development offices were introduced in Guatemala and Trinidad & Tobago. Three members from each of those offices attended the meeting.

A key part of RAP in 2011 will be the management of newly mandated FIFA regulations that detail how national associations should structure their referee departments.

Blazer expressed his personal gratitude for Tresaco's efforts.

"We are thankful for his commitment to the program and for his great understanding of CONCACAF's needs."

List of Attendees

FIFA
Fernando Tresaco - FIFA Head of Refereeing
Mauricio Caballeros - FIFA Development Officer - Guatemala Office
Daryll Warner - FIFA Development Officer - Trinidad & Tobago Office

FIFA Referee Development Offices
Guatemala Office
Ronald Gutierrez - Referee Development Officer
Rodolfo Sibrian - Referee Instructor
Edwin Silva - Fitness Instructor

Trinidad & Tobago Office
Ramesh Ramdhan - Referee Development Officer
Peter Prendergast - Referee Instructor
Merere Gonzales - Fitness Instructor

CONCACAF Referee Committee
Lisle Austin-Chairman
Carlos Batres
Aaron Padilla

CONCACAF Staff
Chuck Blazer
Ted Howard
Jill Fracisco
Brian Hall

UNCAF Staff
Victor Estrada

Other
Esse Baharmast