On Sat. 10 May to Sun. 11 May, “The 2nd Main Referee Training for J-League for 2014“ was held in Yokohama city, Kanagawa.
The focus of the joint session of main referee and assistant referee was on how to use radio communication system (referee wireless) effectively, which is planned to introduce this year in J.League.
We had a practical training, at separate session for main referee and assistant referee, reconciling the standard of a call to be able to make an accurate judgment.
It has been two months since 2014 season-opening, the participating referees are committed for preparation for the future game and actively took part in the training.

Trainers Comments

OKADA Masayoshi (Top Referee Instructor)
The theme of the training was on radio communication system (referee wireless) which is planned to implement in J.League.
In the beginning, we practiced how to wear it and use it. Then as I showing the video of this season’s game, I explained how to make an accurate judgment and how main referee, assistant referees and fourth official hold communication when wearing radio communication system (referee wireless).
I noted at the end of training, saying this is an effective tool for communicating each other but important thing is to make a right judgment first, and this is going to be the base of accurate judgment. At the main referee session, we had a discussion about one of J.League Chairman’s promise, how the players think about delaying the restart of play at times of goal kick, corner kick and substitutions. And we discussed how the referees should prevent delaying the restart of play.
Continually, I reminded participants of standard of judgment for handling, inappropriate use of arm and elbow, holding in goal area at the set play, as well as how to manage the situation when more than two players in the same team are injured.
I do expect all participating referee can make a better performance to assist players in concentrate the game, play fairly, speedy and tough.

HIROSHIMA Yoshikazu (Top Referee Instructor)
I had a training on two cases of “Offside - running back from an offside position” at the practical training for assistant referee. First example is “Offside - running back from an offside position” play when FK given in front of the goal. Second example is, the player kick the centering pass from the side and stayed in the offside position and get an offside call afterward. These are examples of “Offside - running back from an offside position”.
At physical training, I trained them how to make a smooth stop >> turn >> speed-up. This training is for “making an accurate and right judgment by making a move based on fixing the axis of your body.
This training was quite productive as the participating referees were positively and aggressively exchange ideas especially in the practical training.

Trainee Comments

HASE Taku (Referee / Hokkaido)
I had a training on radio communication system (referee wireless) which is planned to implement, for making an accurate judgment, speedy game. Also discussed how should use the system as we watched the video of this season’s game.
At referee’s session, we had a discussion on how referee, team, players get together and ensure “three promises” made by J.League Chairman. There was another discussion on the judgment standard when “handling”, “improper use of arm and elbow” and “holding” as we watch this season’s game.
Mr.Nishimura, Mr.Airaku, Mr.Nagi, three main referees appointed for 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, made an introductory speech at the beginning of the training.
Listening to Mr.Nishimura’s remark saying “Our mission is to bring about the happiness to the world through the ball of football, and determined to dedicate ourselves as 33rd team along with 32 participating countries.”, I wish to bring the happiness to the football family in Japan, implementing what I learned in this training.

FUJITA Toshihito (Main Referee / Hokkaido)
The main theme of the training was radio communication system (referee wireless) which is planned to implement in J.League.
Taking advantage of the new systems, I hope to take better control of the game as ever by sharing information within a group of four referees. I am eager to brush up communication skill as before, not relying too much on the convenient equipment.