This will be the first CONCACAF Elite Referee course that will combine the top male and female referees in the Confederation. Ricardo Montero has refereed at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015, in addition to several CONCACAF competitions, including the 2015 Gold Cup. He is also a referee candidate for the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018.
Upcoming CONCACAF competitions are ratcheting up the excitement and adrenaline levels of referees as they get ready for an intensive elite course that will be held in Miami from October 21-25, 2016.
With a focus on improving the performance on the pitch, the course will provide 35 officials specialized training on the new laws of the game, ways to protect the game’s integrity, field technical modules, video tests, as well as mental and psychological preparation. This will be the first CONCACAF Elite Referee course that will combine the top male and female referees in the Confederation.
Here are some perspectives on how the Confederation is ensuring that referees perform at maximum capacity on the field:
Brian Hall, CONCACAF Director of Refereeing
“We continue implementing new tools to professionalize referees’ approach to the game, while recognizing all sporting demands that a match official within our region needs to succeed.”
Hall added that this is the first time the course will incorporate a psychology module as personality is a key factor to manage the game and connect with the players.
Peter Prendergast, FIFA referee instructor
“The Elite referees’ course provides the top referees in the confederation an opportunity of working together in a training environment that offers the expertise and preparedness to face the challenges of the modern game. A sport that is faster, with varying styles of play and with players who are more creative in pursuing the ultimate goal of winning.”
Luis Diego Hernandez, Federacion Costaricense de Futbol (FEDEFUTBOL) psychologist
“Just as athletes need psychological skills to perform successfully, so do referees. In order to be successful as a referee, it is important to be proficient in several psychological areas, including an emphasis on attention and concentration, self-control under pressure, emotional intelligence, recovering quickly from making a bad call and self-confidence, among others.”
Ricardo Montero, international referee (Costa Rica)
“I’m very passionate about refereeing. In order to officiate at an elite level within CONCACAF, you need to meet several requirements, including solid physical and mental preparation. After participating in several programs provided by the Confederation, I have been able to advance in my career. Refereeing at important competitions such as the Gold Cup is a major responsibility and preparation is key to succeed on the pitch.”
Montero has refereed at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015, in addition to several CONCACAF competitions, including the 2015 Gold Cup. He is also a referee candidate for the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018.
