In light of the recent success of local referees, Jamaica Football Referees Association (JFRA) Referees Department Head, Victor Stewart, is urging more people to get involved in the profession.

Earlier this week, it was announced that Nicholas Anderson would become the first referee to officiate in the FIFA Club World Cup.  Anderson is expected to serve as an assistant referee at the tournament that will take place between February 1 and 11.

In addition to that, four Jamaican female match officials have been shortlisted by FIFA to possibly officiate in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.  The list includes referee Odette Hamilton and assistants Princess Brown, Stephanie-Dale Yee Sing and Jassett Kerr.  If named to the list, Hamilton would become the first local female referee to officiate at a senior global tournament.

Despite the success, however, Stewart claims the game still suffers from a severe shortage of officials.

“We are quite happy with the output of our referees on the international stage,” Stewart told Football GPS.

“Despite our achievements on the international circuit, we are still hoping that we can enhance the program locally to attract more personnel to join the rank of referees because we are at a chronic stage now,” he added.