A lecture by top English soccer referee Ray Olivier over the holiday weekend has been hailed a success by former Bermuda Referees Association president Lyndon Raynor, who stood as liaison official.

Some 26 people, among them five club coaches, attended the lecture at Devonshire Recreation Club on Sunday.

"The course was designed to help impart knowledge on the rules of the game, with particular emphasis placed on the offside rule, which is often controversial," explained Raynor.

"It was good to know that the way we have been taught and apply our knowledge locally is consistent with what Ray articulated during the session.

"In fact, the experience was enlightening for the coaches who were present. Many were surprised to find out that our decisions were correct. It's satisfying to know that we are doing what's required of us. It's just a matter of continuing to educate everyone directly involved with football about the rules of the game."

Olivier, who refereed Monday's Martonmere Cup Final, is a nationally-listed assistant (linesman) who has officiated in Under-21 internationals in the former Soviet Union and Norway, and also at Wembley during the 1996 English FA Trophy final. Now a regional manager, he referees in the Nationwide First Division, trains and monitors the development of over three and a half thousand referees in his region and has ambitions of officiating in the English Premier League in the near future.

"What we tried to promote was better communication between the referee and assistants," said Olivier.

"We watched match footage and asked the participants to make their decisions. We then assessed their responses.

"After reviewing the tapes we enlightened them as to FIFA's guidelines on attacking play, the concept that not every offside should be penalised. It depends whether the player is interfering with play, seeking an advantage or infringement. The onus was on educating them in regards to offside."