A glaring lack of knowledge and understanding of the offside rule has prompted Bermuda Football Association to bring in a top British referee to conduct a clinic at Devonshire Rec. this Sunday morning (9.00).

The man in charge is the English FA's Regional Manager for Referees, 43-year-old Ray Oliver, who is responsible for 30,000 referees and a district that covers 47 regions throughout England.

While here, Oliver will also take charge of Monday's Martonmere Cup Final at Lord's between North Village and Devonshire Cougars.

Both BFA chairman of referees Gregory Grimes and BFA president Larry Mussenden are urging local coaches and team officials to take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about the offside rule.

"They shouldn't blow this opportunity, we thought it was vital to bring in a prominent figure to appraise us on a rule that everybody feels they know a lot about but obviously are clearly lacking a full understanding," said Grimes.

"While we hope to get vital input from Mr. Oliver in all areas of refereeing in the future, we thought it was necessary to focus on the offside rule right now because it probably is the most controversial rule in soccer. There is no doubt that many local coaches, players and fans need to be informed of the recent rules that FIFA have applied to offside."

The arrival of Oliver tomorrow (Saturday) comes about as a result of the visit made by a three-man BFA delegation, headed by Mussenden, to England in September to hold discussions with the English FA.

"During our talks with the English Director of Referees, John Baker, he informed us of all of the things they are doing which are the same that our referees here hope to address," said Mussenden.

"These include recruitment and retention of referees, training instructions, continuing training and assessment, mental training and physical fitness, all of which will naturally help to further develop our officials and we are looking forward to working with them."

The BFA's push for improving current officials and intensifying their recruitment for new ones doesn't end there with other plans in the making. Top American instructor Dave McKee is expected to visit the Island before the end of the year to conduct a clinic for assessors.

"We originally had planned to bring Mr. McKee in about a month ago but the acts of terrorism that took place on September 11 forced this to be cancelled, but we are hoping to bring him in by the end of the year," said Grimes.

"We definitely need to ensure that our assessors are qualified and that they are themselves sharp enough and kept updated with ways to evaluate referees who are out there trying to improve their own standards. So McKee's input will be invaluable to the all round development of soccer here in the Island."