Referees Ronue Cann and Anthony Francis recently represented the Bermuda Football Association at a Fifa Regional Referees Instructors (FUTURO III) course in Barbados.

FUTURO III is a programme within the Referee Assistance Programme based on training referee instructors in technical and fitness-related matters.

In addition, the programme informs referees on theoretical updates on laws of the game interpretations and will be analysing the 2014 World Cup.

Those in attendance received new teaching materials and were also given instruction on teaching methodology.

In addition, they were exposed to new ideas concerning the use of technology to deliver information, as well as administrating tests.

There were no referees from the Caribbean at the last year’s World Cup, an issue that referee instructor Francis believes should be addressed. He said: “We should focus our attention on developing referees to ensure we have them technically and physically ready for assignment in CFU, Concacaf, IOC, and, eventually, Fifa tournaments.”

The BFA aims to implement Potential Elite Referee Training (PERT) as soon as possible with a number of local referees.

The PERT course offers a focus on technical instruction, fitness, and integrated instruction.

Potential elite referees will fall into the age range of 16 to 35, male or female, and have a passion for football.

Francis added: “It is our hope that we will be able to offer Fifa eligible Bermudian candidates the opportunity for future international tournaments. It is not a stretch to believe that Bermuda could have candidates available for selection for the Confederation Cup within 18 months.”

Referee training is held every Saturday from 5 to 6pm and will continue through the off-season. Contact the BFA at 295-2199 or e-mail Francis at bdareferee@gmail.com for more information.

n The Bermuda Football Association will hold two Appleby Youth Knockout Cup finals tomorrow at the National Sports Centre, North Field.

Richmond Harriers will play Devonshire Colts in the Under-14 final at 1pm, with the Under-16 final between PHC and BAA taking place at 3pm.