The Barbados Football Association (BFA) is stepping up its commitment to referee development, with a renewed focus on recruiting and training young officials to sustain the growth of local football.
BFA Head of Refereeing Mark Forde said the Association’s recent Referee Recruitment Course has drawn strong interest from young people eager to learn the craft of officiating.
“Of the 16 course participants, the majority were between 14 and 18 years old,” Forde said. “Without referees, no football can be played. Bringing in these young, up-and-coming officials is crucial to the sustainability of the sport. Strengthening their numbers and refining their skills will also improve the standard of our domestic leagues and ensure continuous growth in Barbadian football.”
The annual training course forms part of the BFA’s wider strategy to build a strong and highly qualified pool of referees. It was conducted by Concacaf Member Association Referees Technical Instructor Trevor Taylor and facilitated by Forde, and the program combined theoretical, technical, and physical sessions based on the Official Laws of the Game.
Participants will now advance to an apprenticeship period, where they will officiate domestic matches under the supervision of senior officials.
In addition, the BFA announced that two young referees, Darian Scantlebury and Charles Yearwood, will travel to Trinidad and Tobago next month to take part in a new Concacaf referee development initiative. The regional program is designed to identify emerging talent and strengthen officiating standards across the Caribbean.
BFA President Randy Harris said referee development remains a cornerstone of the Association’s long-term strategy.
“Investing in our match officials is vital to the success of football in Barbados,” Harris said. “We currently have five referees on the 2025 FIFA International Referees List, which reflects the progress being made. The BFA will continue to create pathways for our referees to gain international accreditation and experience.”
BFA match officials continue to receive recognition across the region, with several appointed to officiate matches this year in the USA, Canada, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Mexico, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad, Aruba, and Honduras. Locally, referees are also active in the Prime Minister’s Cup and the 2025 Barbados Beach Soccer Championship.
The Association says these initiatives are part of its broader goal to raise the standard of football officiating and ensure the long-term sustainability of the game on the island. (JC)
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