In a historic decision, the All India Football Federation’s Referees’ Committee which met at Football House, included Maria Rebello, the first-ever woman referee, in the panel of referees for the 2013-14 season of the I-League.
Maria’s name was proposed by the I-League Referees Appointment Advisory Committee which approved the list of probable referees for the forthcoming season. Maria has been officiating matches in the 2nd Division I-League and also the Goa Professional League in the recent past.
Congratulating Maria, Gulab Chauhan (Chairman, I-League Referees Appointment Advisory Committee) said: “This is a historic decision taken by us in acknowledgement of her performance. She has earned it through her dedication. This will certainly bring in new confidence among Women Referees in India. We wish her all the best.”
The committee was also apprised of the visit of AFC Referees’ Development Team and FIFA Strategic Planning Team. The performance of last edition of I-League Referees and Assistant Referees were placed before the committee and analysed. Furthermore, the committee approved the Calendar of Events of Refereeing Development.
Persons above 30 years of age can now apply through their state for registration with AIFF for allotment of one time GRIN (General Referee Identification Number). This will enable them to officiate in their own states only without further classification.
Meanwhile, Dr. Gagan Kapoor, who attended the Meeting as a guest informed the vommittee about the project work proposed to be taken up on the ‘Injury and Indian Referees’. The aim of the project is to collect the data on injury during off-season training and on-season duties as a referee.
(Report & Picture courtesy AIFF Media)