JFA Referees Committee holds an annual training session for youth referees at the Japan U-12 Football Championship.
38 youth referees, who are under 18 years old, participated from around the country this year. They started their sessions, which included a fitness test, the rules of the game, lectures and practical training, two days before the championship and then attended the actual games.

The participating referees officiated the matches from the first round to the final as well as at the dream league, totaling 134 games. Just one referee - no linesmen - officiate the games in the first round at this championship.
Nine youth development instructors also participated from the nine regions around the county. The youth referees got coaching from the instructors between or after the matches and they also discussed issues among themselves to improve their level.

‘JFAｰTV’ introduced the youth referees’ training session, the aim of the one-referee match, as well as the participants comments.

JFA-TV

Youth referees’ development at the 38th Japan U-12 Football Championship

One-referee rule introduced to the 38th Japan U-12 Football Championship

-Nurture world-class players at the 38th Japan U-12 Football Championship - collaboration of technology and referees

Instructor’s comment

ONSHI Takao, JFA Referee Instructor
JFA Referees Committee are trying to raise the level of youth referees at the Japan U-12 Football Championship, a nationwide championship.
I think it was a good opportunity for participants, not only because they learned adjudicating skills, but also they could communicate with other referees from other regions, which must have inspired them.

Participants’ comment

AKUTSU Shun, Youth referee (Tochigi)
At the match I tried to put what I learned everyday into practice with no fear of failure. I’d like to be the kind of referee, who reads the flow of the game and shapes it for the better.

YAMAGUCHI Takaya, Youth referee (Nara)
I learned a lot by meeting other referees of the same generation with different skills. I’m sure I got something positive for my future refereeing life.

MIKUNI Mao, Youth referee (Tokyo)
I enjoyed myself very mush, learning with other referees of the same generation across the country. I’d like to learn both the technical side and the knowledge to be able to react to any situation.

TAKAHASHI Hisashi, Development Instructor (Tohoku)
The youth referees were highly motivated, trying to learn whatever was new for them. I’d like them to aim at becoming higher-grade referees through failures and practical experiences.