The refresher course for women's class-1 referees was held in J-GREEN Sakai, Osaka, on Saturday 6, Sunday 7 July, and Saturday 13, Sunday 14 July. The first weekend attracted 13 participants, while the second weekend saw 27 women's class-1 referees participating the course.

The course took a heavy emphasis on the regulation change for 2019/2020 season, while the participants also took part in practical/physical training sessions and group discussions to brush up their refereeing skills ahead of the second half of the season.

Instructor’s Comment

NOHARA Takashi, Class-1 Referee Instructor
In this refresher course for women's class-1 referees, we conducted sessions that touched up on the practical, technical, and physical aspects, while we asked the participants to heighten their independence through each session. It was evident that some individuals managed to showcase their leadership to spearhead the course, and I felt that their leadership will translate to the actual matches to guide the players in a positive way. It also made me realise as an instructor, that it is important to have the participants takeover the leader’s role to develop their leadership skills. The environment surrounding women’s football may see drastic changes in the close future, but I want every participant of this women's class-1 referees to develop as a referee and excel in this field.

Participants’ Comments

TAKAHASHI Saori, Women's Class-1 Referee (Tokyo)
I took part in the refresher course for women's class-1 referees on the weekend of 6 July. The course mainly went over the new regulations, which will see many changes applied to the way the matches are played, so I really made sure that I was on top of each topic. During the practical training session, the new regulations, such as the “DOGSO” and “SPA,” were implemented into the training menu and we went through the drills as a group. The training session was filmed so that we can go over the session later on and receive feedbacks. By reviewing our performances objectively, it allowed us to analyse our positionings, decision makings, and moral thought processes, and discuss the pros and cons of our acts. There were only 12 participants at the course I attended, but it allowed us to really get ourselves involved and conduct a very productive course. I hope to implement the knowledge I acquired through this course to become a better referee.

SUGIMOTO Misato, Women's Class-1 Referee (Kochi)
At this course, we went over the regulation changes, practical training, group discussion, physical training, and learned how to maintain our conditions during the summertime. During the practical training session, we filmed the scenes that required critical decision makings and discussed the scene as a group on the field. This process allowed me to see myself objectively and made me realise many new things. We watched a match film to conduct our group discussion and shared our opinions openly to deepen each other’s understandings. The sprint drills we conducted during the physical training session implemented the actual moves that are required during the game, so it was easy to visualise ourselves on the field. This was my first refresher course in two years after I was pregnant and gave birth to my child. With the understanding of the instructors, staffs, and other participants, I was able to attend this course along with my husband and son. I am able to continue to work as a referee with the support of everyone surrounding me, and I am very thankful for that. I will always stay grateful to my peers and continue to work hard to become a better referee.