Last weekend, Ontario Soccer brought together 18 of our top Match Officials from across the province for a special development opportunity in Oakville.

These individuals were hand-picked to attend an Elite Referee Camp at Oakville Soccer Club. The goal of the program was to ensure consistency in how Ontario’s top Match Officials communicate on the field.

The Elite Referee Camp used drills, games and classroom-based theory to help improve the ways Match Officials transmit information amongst one another, both face-to-face and with the use of technology. The 18 participants were also exposed to communication sets, preparing them for future opportunities where they may need to use these high-tech devices.

"Consistent and timely communication is critical in the modern game. This camp aimed to highlight best practices, work together in the pre-season, and allow match officials to become more comfortable in game situations," said David Barrie, Ontario Soccer's Manager of Match Official Development. "I was impressed by the work rate and the participant's willingness to learn."

Special thanks to Instructors Justin Tasev, Carly Shaw-MacLaren, Melissa Snedden and Hussain Walji for leading the Elite Referee Camp and for continuously setting a great example for burgeoning Match Officials in Ontario.

Click here to read more Match Official news from Ontario Soccer.