Top FIFA referee instructor Osmond Downer is on the Island to conduct football lectures for local match officials.

A four-day workshop, beginning tomorrow at venue which had yet to determined at press time last night, will address one of the most hotly disputed laws governing the game of football ? Law 11 which relates to offside.

Downer?s brief stopover is part of FIFA?s continued efforts to ?improving the standard of refereeing globally? and Bermuda Football Association?s (BFA) attempts to provide local referees with the highest level of instruction possible.

?The workshop will cover the most important Law 11 - offside, which is the subject of much debate whenever football is played,? stated senior BFA executive Gregory Grimes.

?Cooperation between referees and assistant referees, positioning, movement around the field and signalling will also be addressed along with a comprehensive review of the laws of game,? he added

Another crucial aspect of the workshop will be discussions on refereeing opportunities, in particular aspiring to the FIFA list of Referees, revealed Grimes.

?Mr.Downer will also assist the BFA with formulating a plan to attract more referees to the profession,? he added.

All participants will be put under the close scrutiny of Downer.

?A very important part of all refereeing workshops is match assessment; whereby a match will be earmarked and all participants will be asked to assess the match officials,? Grimes explained.

?A lecture will be held the following day regarding their performances during the match. And not only is this good for the referees participating in the match, but also for referees involved in the actual workshop.?