The first training course for J. League Division 1 and 2 referees in 2015 was held at Seimeino mori Resort in Chiba and at Teikyo Heisei University Chiba Campus from Friday 23 January to Monday 26 January. The participants, who were getting ready for the coming season, had discussions about refereeing, using videos, under the theme of "standards and the targets for 2015" and cleared their minds ready to officiate by demonstrating potential situations. They shared the general judgment criteria among the participants.

In terms of fitness, the participating referees did some core training and filmed their running to check their forms under the theme of "year-round conditioning". They took a proactive stance in the course.

Main programmes in the course

Fri. 23 January     Opening ceremony, Measurement, and Lectures
Sat. 24 January    Training "Strength/How to use your body" and Lectures "Handling" and "Physical theories"
Sun. 25 January   Training "Strength/Intervals" and Lectures "Team building" and "Serious fouls (tackles with the studs up)"
Mon. 26 January   Training

Instructor's Comment

OKADA Masayoshi, Top Referees Instructor
We held the training course for J. League Division 1 and 2 referees in January in preparation for the coming 2015 season. In terms of refereeing, we focused on the theme of "standards and the targets of 2015". All the participating referees attended the course in a positive manner. Professional referees and young referees exchanged their opinions in the group discussion, which showed their enthusiasm for the coming season. I expect high-level performances from them in the 2015 season.

YAMAGISHI Takashi, JFA Chief Referees Fitness Instructor
The theme for the fitness aspect of the course was "year-round conditioning". So it didn't mean just running or doing workouts. We filmed our movements and reviewed "how the jogging, the basic movement, should be" or "how to handle accelerated movement". It's also vital to understand "when to have a high-quality rest", so that they can keep going over a long season. I lectured on the importance of the "regeneration system" (the way of having scheduled rests) in the previous course last year. I believe they will go through the season without injuries using high-quality conditioning.

Participants' Comment

OKA Hiromichi, Class 1 Referee (Kyoto)
On the first day of the four-day course, we had a diagnostic test, which checked our movements, habits, and functionality of our bodies in order to analyse each one's physical function. Then in the lecture we shared this year's theme, and watched the standard video. All the participants shared their considerations and judgment criteria in the group discussion. On the second day, we had a physical training session hosted by the instructor Yamagishi. We filmed our running forms to review and analyse, so that we could pursue this year's theme - "energy efficient" forms. With one month to go before the season opener, I'd like to work hard to get myself in the best condition using what I've learned in this course.

FUJITA Kazuya, Class 1 Referee (Toyama)
In this training course, I reconfirmed the judgment points, which I have used subconsciously, by discussing them with other participants. In the physical training session, I learned my weakness and issues to be fixed, which I couldn't find myself before. I really felt the mental toughness and the professional mind for the first time in this training. It was very productive for me to adjust my future training and I appreciate that I could participate.