Opening Ceremony of the Training Course for Match Commissioners and Referees for the 2024/25 National Professional Football Leagues – Northern Region
On the afternoon of August 13th, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) headquarters hosted the opening ceremony of the training camp for Match Commissioners and Referees for the 2024/25 National Professional Football Leagues – Northern Region. This is a crucial activity in the preparation for each season, organized in collaboration between the VFF and the VPF Company.
14/08/2024 11:18:04
Attending the opening ceremony were distinguished guests from both the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and the VPF Company. Representing the VFF were Mr. Trần Quốc Tuấn, President of VFF; Mr. Trần Anh Tú, Vice President of VFF; Mr. Nguyễn Quốc Hội, Standing Member of the VFF Executive Committee; and Mr. Đặng Thanh Hạ, Head of the VFF Arbitration Committee. From the VPF Company, Mr. Võ Văn Hùng, Deputy General Director, was present. The ceremony was also attended by the members of the training course’s organizing committee, the referees and match commissioners participating in the training, representatives from various functional departments of the VFF and VPF, as well as media representatives from news agencies.
The pre-season training for the 2024/25 season is divided into two periods. The first period will be held in the Northern region from August 12 to August 17, while the second period will take place in the Southern region from August 25 to August 30. This regional division aims to optimize travel and living conditions for the match inspectors and referees. It also helps to make the most efficient use of time, ensuring that the training achieves the highest effectiveness.
In the directive speech at the opening of the Northern region training program, VFF President Trần Quốc Tuấn acknowledged and commended the efforts and contributions of the match commissioners and referees towards the overall success of the 2023/24 national professional football leagues. He emphasized that both the VFF and VPF Company will continue to provide optimal conditions to support the referees and match inspectors in fulfilling their roles and responsibilities more effectively in the upcoming season. One of the goals set by the VFF and VPF is to ensure that 100% of matches in the national top-tier league will utilize VAR (Video Assistant Referee). This initiative aims to enhance accuracy and support referees in their decision-making. Additionally, training sessions on VAR technology will be organized to ensure that referees, assistant referees, and technicians are well-versed in its use. However, despite the support of VAR, the referee remains the final decision-maker on the field. Therefore, continuous professional development and skill enhancement for match commissioners and referees are essential.
Leaders of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), VPF Company, and the VFF Referees Committee presented commemorative plaques to referees Nguyễn Đình Thái and Nguyễn Ngọc Khánh. Both referees have dedicated many years to the development of football refereeing in Vietnam and are now retiring due to reaching the age limit set by FIFA regulations.
The pre-season training program for the 2024/25 professional football season features significant changes compared to previous years, including an extended duration and a detailed curriculum developed by the technical department. This program closely addresses real-world issues and developments. Key components include updates and additions to the Laws of the Game, a focus on analyzing supervisory and match management issues, and aspects related to the operation of VAR (Video Assistant Referee). Special attention is given to the implementation and management of VAR, with the goal of applying VAR to all matches in the top-tier national league.
Earlier, on August 12th, the match commissioners and referees attended a review session to assess their professional work following the 2023/24 season and took a comprehensive test.
This afternoon, 50 referees and assistant referees (including 16 top-tier referees, 15 top-tier assistant referees, 7 national referees, and 12 national assistant referees) participating in the Northern region training will undergo physical fitness tests according to FIFA’s assessment standards. Successfully passing these fitness tests is a prerequisite for referees to officiate in the 2024/25 season.
