After impressing with their performances during the 2008 season and earning appointments in some of the top level competitions in Ontario and Canada, these three referees spent the first three months of the 2009 season being assessed by the top referee assessors in Ontario.
Based on these assessments, the OSA Referee Development Committee in consultation with the Assessor Advisory Committee deemed Lisa MacNeil, David Barrie and Gianni Facchini ready to take the next step in their officiating careers.
Lisa, David and Gianni still face some hurdles on the road to obtaining their National badge. The Canadian Soccer Association will now review the nominations and, should the nominations be accepted, Lisa, David and Gianni will be required to pass the “FIFA Fitness Test” — a high-intensity fitness test mandatory for all top-level referees in the world.
Upon successful completion of the fitness test, the nominees will be invited to referee the U18 National Club Championships being hosted in Alberta from October 7 – 11, 2009 where they will work in some difficult, high-intensity games while being assessed by the top assessors in Canada.
Their performance at this tournament will determine whether the CSA invites them to join Canada’s National List of Match Officials for the 2010 season.
Please join the OSA Referee Development Department in congratulating these three referees on their accomplishments thus far and wishing them the best of luck on their road to obtaining their National Badge!
Lisa MacNeil
Career Highlight
Refereeing Gold Medal Match at U18 Girls Nationals (2008)
Mentors/Influences
Support group of family, friends and referees, as well as officials from other sports.
Advice to Young Referees
Always keep learning, watch games, ask questions, listen to key tips from assessors and colleagues.
David Barrie
Career Highlight
Assistant Referee for Zidane and Friends International Match
Mentors/Influences
Martin Bodenham (former Premier League & UEFA referee) and Vince Hannon from Bedfordshire FA, in England
Advice to Young Referees
We all encounter some tough games, so don’t let one game or one decision get you down. If you make a mistake, learn from it and move on.
Gianni Facchini
Career Highlight
First experience of professional soccer was CSA appointment as an Assistant Referee in international friendly between Millonarios (Columbia) and Barcelona (Ecuador) at BMO Field (2008).
Mentors/Influences
Many people have been influential, but developing a support group of fellow referees who can share similar experiences is critical.
Advice to Young Referees
Set realistic goals, and understand what you need to do to achieve them; stay committed to goals regardless of setbacks you may encounter.
Reported by Lyndon Hooper & Greg Carr, Technical Coordinators, OSA Referee Development
Photos by Wolf Ruck / OSA