DOHA: Elite referees from the Qatar Football Association are taking part in a winter training camp focused on improving technical, physical and decision-making standards ahead of the resumption of domestic competitions and upcoming international assignments.
The camp, running from Dec. 21 to 25, has brought together 51 top-level referees under the supervision of specialist instructors and refereeing experts as part of a comprehensive preparation programme.
Organisers have placed strong emphasis on practical, on-field applications designed to replicate real match conditions. Training sessions held at Doha Stadium included match management, foul recognition, disciplinary decisions, penalty-area incidents, positioning, and coordination between referees, assistants and video assistant referees (VAR).
A key focus of the programme has been the mechanism for referees to announce decisions verbally, a recent development aimed at improving transparency and clarity for players, coaching staff and spectators. Referees were trained on how to deliver decisions clearly and concisely, using appropriate tone to convey confidence and authority.
The sessions also concentrated on decision-making speed and accuracy, as well as handling pressure in highly competitive matches. Referees received immediate evaluations from instructors following each practical exercise, with detailed feedback provided to address errors and enhance performance.
The camp comes at a crucial time as preparations intensify for the return of the Doha Bank Stars League and future regional and continental officiating duties. The programme reflects the QFA’s commitment to preparing referees in line with the highest international standards. (QFA)
