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Offline asylumseeker

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Re: TTFRA Thread.
« Reply #30 on: November 23, 2017, 05:48:34 PM »
Interesting discussion on I95 with Ramesh Ramdan regarding refereeing in T&T, non-conformity with FIFA rules and policy and the improper relationship of the TTFRA vis-a-vis the TTFA as FIFA member association.

Offline Flex

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Re: TTFRA Thread.
« Reply #31 on: January 12, 2018, 06:16:19 AM »
Seven local referees get FIFA badges.
By Walter Alibey.


T&T refereeing was given a major boost yesterday with T&T Football Association president David John-Williams outlined a number of plans to compliment the seven local referees who received their FIFA Referees Badge yesterday.

The badges were given out to Referees- Crystal Sobers and Cecile Hinds, and assistant referees- Ainsley Rochard, Caleb Wales, Rodphin Harris, Joseph Bertrand and Evelyn Carissa-Jacobs after their performances were being monitored for the past year.

Only Sobers will however officiate at the coming CONCACAF Under-20 Women’s Championship beginning next week at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Balmain Couva.

At a press briefing at the stadium’s conference room held to distribute the badges yesterday, John-Williams made a number of commitments to improve the quality of officiating in the local game, such as making available ten rooms when the proposed Sportel at the Home of Football is completed, for the referees.

The TTFA boss said because of the need for improved refereeing in the country, local officials can use the rooms to sleep or have meetings or even overnight.

“At the Home of Football, we plan to give referees about ten rooms on a plan basis so that they can come in and do some weekend camps or specialized training.

“I think this is important because referees are part of football too, and I dare say a very important part of football.

“We have to do all in our power to improve the game at all levels” John-Williams said.

He told the audience he will also make available retainer contracts for referees, saying whether it is 15 to 20 referees, an elite panel will be established and these contracts will be offered to referees at the T&T Pro League and Super League levels.

This, he believes, will be an encouragement for referees to train hard and improve the game.

Before the badges were given out John-Williams said it is always good to have representation at the world level.

He admitted that referees had been targets for blame when things didn’t go right for teams at matches. He urged the referees to stay focused and steadfast and avoid conflict with teams or any other officials.

RELATED NEWS

Local referees get FIFA badges.
T&T Newsday Reports.


Seven local referees received their FIFA badges for 2018 at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, yesterday. One of those officials who got a badge was Crystal Sobers, who will be the only T&T official to participate at the FIFA Women’s Under-20 Championships in Trinidad, from January 18-28.

At a press conference held at the Ato Boldon Stadium yesterday, Sobers and Cecile Hinds received their FIFA women’s referee badges, while Evelyn Carissa Jacobs-Douglas received her FIFA women’s assistant referee badge.

Among the men, Rodphin Harris earned his FIFA referee badge, while the trio of Caleb Wales, Ainsley Rochard and Joseph Bertrand got FIFA assistant referee badges.

After receiving the badge, Sobers said she was glad all the hard work paid off. “It is about personal development. It is what you want from refereeing. I am passionate about football, so being a referee, it will help me with my drive towards this passion that I have for football. This badge (I received) is after a year of work. This year you had a lot of courses, fitness tests and technical work we had to do,” Sobers said.

Sobers said she is proud to be T&T’s only representative at the Under-20 CONCACAF Championships, but said it would have been great to have a team of local officials. “I feel proud, but I would have been more proud if I had a full team of T&T officials with me. But I am really proud of my hard word for the past three years because 2018 is my fourth year on the panel. Getting the badge is the easiest part, but the work behind it is not.”

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

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Re: TTFRA Thread.
« Reply #32 on: January 14, 2018, 01:46:59 AM »
Seven FIFA referees is a decline.
By Jelani Beckles (Newsday).


President of the Trinidad and Tobago Super League Keith Look Loy said he will “welcome” any initiative to improve the standard of refereeing in this country, as there is a shortage of top football officials.

Look Loy, who is also the coach of FC Santa Rosa in the Super League, made the statement following the news that seven local officials received their FIFA badges on Thursday at a press conference at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.

Look Loy has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the standard of refereeing in TT in the past and his club even takes its own footage of games to highlight glaring mistakes.

At the press conference on Thursday, president of the TT Football Association (TTFA) David John-Williams also announced that steps will be taken to improve local officials.

John-Williams said plans are being made to have training camps at the Ato Boldon Stadium for referees. “I want to make the commitment to the referees department and the referees committee that when the home of football (in Couva) is built, we will reserve at least 10 rooms, over systematic periods, where we will have training camps for the referees. When they come here on a Saturday or Sunday for training, they can live here,” John-Williams said.

John-Williams said despite being in debt, the TTFA will find ways to get more young people involved in refereeing by offering incentives.

“We will see if we could find money to pay referees a retainer – a small retainer – that they could attend training so that will be an encouragement for them to come to training,” he said.

John-Williams said that initially the TTFA will look for a group between 15 and 20 officials to participate in the live-in camp.

Look Loy, in an interview with Newsday, said he was glad to hear that John-Williams wants to improve the standard of referees. However, he said having seven local referees getting FIFA badges is not much to celebrate.

“Any initiative by anyone to improve referees in this country is welcome. Refereeing is in a bad way. There was an event yesterday (Thursday) in which the TTFA was touting the appointment of seven referees. This is being touted as progress – it is not. This is a reflection of the decline in standards in local refereeing because last year we had 12 FIFA referees – not seven. We had more FIFA referees last year,” Look Loy said.

Look Loy, responding to the TTFA’s aim to give referees retainer contracts, said, “If this is put before the board of the TTFA and there is discussion, well fine. But I am saying as things stand now, there is little financial incentive for referees. Referees don’t even have insurance.”

Look Loy said more incentive will help the recruitment process, as some referees currently in the profession are not suitable for refereeing. “Once we provide adequate incentive, we could have a better recruitment drive, and we could recruit better refereeing material. This is one of the issues, the people who are coming into refereeing many of them are ill-suited,” he said.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

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Re: TTFRA Thread.
« Reply #33 on: April 21, 2018, 01:48:27 AM »
Referee assaulted in La Brea Football League.
T&T Newsday Reports.


LOCAL REFEREE Michael London is currently warded at the San Fernando General Hospital, suffering from a fractured jaw and bruised ribs from a brutal assault, after a match at the La Brea Football League, on Thursday night.

The game, involving Gonzales United and Young Stars, took a turn for the worse when London awarded a penalty to Gonzales United, to the ire of a few Young Stars players, who physically confronted the official.

A video clip, which aired on a local newscast last evening, showed London being attacked by players and fans.

The League is not sanctioned by the TT Football Association (TTFA), but the incident raised questions over the security of officials at such events throughout the twin-island republic.

The TTFA Refereeing Department issued a media release strongly condemning the incident.

“The Refereeing Department is advising that any referee, who officiates in leagues that are not sanctioned by the Refereeing Department and the Referees Committee, are doing so at their own risk,” the media release noted.

“The Refereeing Department is advising that referees should not officiate in the La Brea Football League as this is not a competition sanctioned by either the Refereeing Department or the Referees Committee.”

And the TT Football Referees Association, in a subsequent media release, called for “suitable arrangements (to) be put in place to ensure that registered officials only service sanctioned competitions where organisers have agreed on proper terms of service including that provision be made for the supply of three match officials at least along with security arrangements for said match officials.”

The TT Football Referees Association’s media release added, “We hope for a full and speedy recovery of the referee and trust that the necessary punitive action will be taken by the relevant authorities against the perpetrator/s of this dastardly and criminal act.”

Thursday’s incident came on the heels of a major issue at the 2017 TT Super League, whereby officials boycotted a few games after they were strongly condemned by then FC Santa Rosa coach Keith Look Loy, who is also the president of the League.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline asylumseeker

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Re: TTFRA Thread.
« Reply #34 on: April 21, 2018, 06:07:03 AM »
TT Football Referees Association
The Refereeing Department
Referees Committee

What next a Referees Council? How many entities are needed?

Offline Deeks

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Re: TTFRA Thread.
« Reply #35 on: April 21, 2018, 03:59:24 PM »
Major league or minor league, the perpetrators should be prosecuted. What the frig man!

Offline Flex

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Re: TTFRA Thread.
« Reply #36 on: April 22, 2018, 01:44:37 AM »
La Brea sorry for beating referee.
By Jelani Beckles (Newsday).


ORGANISERS of the La Brea Football League have apologised but president of the TT Football Referees Association (TTFRA) Joseph Taylor, says it “cannot be business as usual” following the attack of a referee on Thursday night. Taylor is now calling for a more professional environment in football leagues throughout the country.

On Thursday evening, referee Michael London was allegedly physically assaulted by fans during a match between Gonzales United and Young Stars in the La Brea Football League. London awarded a penalty to Gonzales United when a few Young Stars players and fans allegedly expressed their frustration by attacking the referee.

London was admitted to the San Fernando General Hospital after receiving injuries to his face and ribs, before being moved to the Mount Hope Medical Complex. London was released from hospital on Friday and is now at home.

Taylor is thankful the injuries to London are not as serious as they thought. “He had some internal bruising, but nothing life threatening and up to yesterday (Friday) he was home resting. We heard about the bruising to the face which might be a hairline fracture, but the extent of the damage to the ribs or internal organs were not as we thought.”

On a local television channel last night, a La Brea Football League committee member apologized for the incident, saying, “We stand behind the referee and again we apologize to him openly and to our community.” The committee member said he is uncertain if London will take legal action against his attackers.

Another committee member said they are willing to take measures to ensure officials’ safety at games and plan to meet with the TTFRA. “From this incident we are looking at it as a learning opportunity and we have already taken some steps in order to ensure that something like this does not happen again.” The committee members said that the league plans to have more security present at matches. He said although official referees associated with the TTRFA might not officiate at any of their games, matches will continue with a referee from their area.

Taylor, asked if he believes referees in the league will boycott upcoming matches said, “It cannot be business as usual. You cannot have a game the next day after that kind of violence,” Taylor said.

The referees president is hoping organisers of the La Brea Football League will have discussions with them to try to ensure disagreements don’t reach this level again.

“These leagues are important in the development of football and communities within our country, but now we (TTFRA) must sit down with them (La Brea Football League) and enforce that we must look at professional and proper standards to ensure that the leagues can proceed, but we (must) understand that they also have a responsibility to ensure that professionalism (is being carried out).”

Taylor said someone’s eagerness to compete cannot lead to violence. “Passion must not lead to violence and continued abuse...we as referees have a position to fill also, and it must be respected and we must all adhere to proper standards and respect for all.”



The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

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Re: TTFRA Thread.
« Reply #37 on: April 23, 2018, 03:16:32 AM »
Young Stars expelled after La Brea brawl.
By Kevon Felmine (Guardian).


President of the La Brea Off-Season Football League, Gerald Debesette says the Young Stars football team that was involved in the violent beating of referee Michael London last Thursday has been kicked out of the competition.

In an interview yesterday, Debesette apologised to London and the Football Referee Association (TTFRA), describing the brawl as an unfortunate since the league’s purpose was to expose the talents hidden in the community. He said that when the players involved in the brawl are identified, they too will be penalised. He said the league’s committee will be meeting soon to discuss the length of the ban, not only for the team, but for the players who may want to return next season with another club.

On Thursday, London was officiating over a knockout match between two league newcomers, Gonzales United and Young Stars of La Brea at the Brighton Recreation Ground in Point D’or. During the second half, Gonzales United was leading 1-0 when London awarded them a penalty kick and issued a red card to a Young Stars player. Upset with the call, the Young Stars players surrounded the referee, which led to a scuffle.

Debesette said that because the league officials were on the other side of the field, they could not tell what was happening and by the time they reached and attempted to quell the incident, spectators had swarmed the pitch.

When London escaped and went to his vehicle, it was alleged that he was going to report the incident to the police. However, one of the Young Stars players pulled him out the vehicle. It was at that time London picked up a blade. The spectators rushed across, disarmed London and severely beat him.

Debesette said it was when a plain-clothed police officer saw the brawl and fired a shot in the air that the crowd dissipated. London was taken to the San Fernando General Hospital where he was treated. By the time La Brea police arrived, the area was mostly clear. Up to yesterday, South Western Division police said they had not received a report from London. He said while there is no security for the matches, police patrol regularly.

The incident led to the TTFRA advising that the Football Association’s (TTFA) Referees Committee instruct match officials to immediately cease providing referee service to the La Brea league. It also advised that registered officials only service TTFA sanctioned competitions. Debesette said the league was not registered with the TTFA and employs referee services through one of its committee members.

“It is an unfortunate situation in that it was a knock out game of the La Brea Off-Season Football League which is in its fourth year. From what I have heard, the referee may take legal action against the players because he was able to identify five of them who attacked him. I apologised to referee association and the individual. It is unfortunate that after eight years of building a brand that one incident can set us back.”

The league continued over the weekend as it grinds down to the finals.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

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Re: TTFRA Thread.
« Reply #38 on: April 24, 2018, 03:55:13 AM »
Referee wife: They would have killed him.
By Kevon Felmine (Guardian).


London to undergo CT scans

Despite being treated and discharged after the violent attack by a La Brea mob last Thursday, national football referee Michael London returned to the San Fernando General Hospital yesterday to undergo a series of tests.

London's wife Elizabeth said that they were awaiting an examination by doctors to assess his recovery, adding that he was still in a lot of pain. London is expected to consult with a neurosurgeon at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC) today to determine what corrective measures are needed during his recovery.

Following Thursday's brawl during the La Brea Off-Season Football League (LBOSFL), London, the brother of calypsonian Brian London, was left with a fractured jaw, swollen head, bruised ribs and shoulder.

"Right now I can't give an update on his condition because we are at the hospital. The doctors are doing some checks and we are just waiting for them to tell us what they have come up with. We've an appointment at Mount Hope for his fractured jaw and a CT scan has to be done so they can make a diagnosis," Elizabeth said.

On Thursday, London, a member of the National Football Referees' Association (TTRFA), was officiating a knock-out match between Gonzales United and Young Stars at the Brighton Recreation Ground at Point D'Or, La Brea. It was during the second half as Gonzales United was leading 1-0, London awarded them a penalty. He also issued a red card to a Young Stars player. The league reported that several Young Stars players surrounded London and this resulted in a scuffle. London managed to escape to his vehicle with the intention of reporting the incident to La Brea police. However, it was alleged that one of the Young Stars players pulled him from his vehicles and that was when it's alleged that London pulled out a cutlass. Immediately, players and supporters of Young Stars swarmed London, kicking, cuffing and beating him with bottles, coolers and stones. The battering only stopped when a plain-clothed police officer fired a gunshot in the air, causing the crowd to disperse.

London was taken to the San Fernando hospital where he was treated and transferred to the EWMSC because of head injuries. He was discharged on Friday. The TTRFA then made a call for the Football Association to ban national referees from participation in the LBOSFL. It also advised its members to participate only in TTFA sanctioned competitions. The LBOSFL subsequently banned Young Stars from the competition and apologised to London and the TTRFA.

However, Elizabeth said that they were yet to receive that apology and had only heard about it on the TV and radio On Sunday, London reported the beating to La Brea police. Elizabeth said she doesn't know whether London would return to refereeing because of the hurt he suffered.

She said for the past eight years, he refereed because he wanted to be involved in the development of sports and youths. She said the league was not paying a substantial fee, but London wanted to help out. Last Thursday, London could have disqualified Young Stars which had turned out for the game short of players. But in the interest of the game, she said London delayed the start so that the players could arrive and play.

"He put himself out there for these youth and they nearly killed him. If it wasn’t for the police officer who pulled the gun, my husband would have been dead," Elizabeth said.

RELATED NEWS

Beaten referee cries for justice.
T&T Newsday Reports.


REFEREE Michael London is calling for justice after being allegedly attacked by players and fans during a match between Gonzales United and Young Stars in the La Brea Football League, on Thursday night. The melee occurred after London awarded a penalty to Gonzales United which was not well received by Young Stars players and fans.

London was admitted to the San Fernando General Hospital after receiving injuries to his face and ribs, before being moved to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mount Hope. London was released from hospital on Friday and is now at home.

In a tearful and emotional interview on TV6 yesterday, London, his face heavily bandaged, said he is hoping his attackers will be punished.

“I just want justice, because when you think about it, refereeing don’t pay you in TT, it’s because you love the sport (you do it) and you want to see a betterment in our community,” London said.

London said he felt betrayed by Young Stars, as he delayed the start of the match to facilitate them as they did not have the full complement of players at the scheduled kick-off time.

London said he was grateful for the assistance of an off duty police officer for coming to his rescue.

“It was kick after kick in my ribs, behind my head...I just want to say thanks to the off duty police officer who try to come to my rescue, nobody else (try to help) everybody was just laughing.”

Elizabeth Phillip-London, wife of Michael, said she is hurt that the league has continued after this incident, saying it is disrespectful to her husband and what he went through.

« Last Edit: April 24, 2018, 04:23:22 AM by Flex »
The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

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Re: TTFRA Thread.
« Reply #39 on: April 24, 2018, 03:59:19 AM »
Hooligans must not win.
By Jelani Beckles (Newsday).


LA BREA Football League committee member Callum Marshall yesterday described the players and spectators who attacked referee Michael London on Thursday night as hooligans, terrorists and criminals.

Marshall, speaking to Newsday yesterday, said the league stands in support of London but believes stopping the football to show solidarity would not be the right move.

“Football hooligans must not win,” he declared.

London was allegedly attacked by players and fans during a match between Gonzales United and Young Stars on Thursday night after he awarded a penalty to Gonzales United who were already ahead 1-0. London was cuffed and kicked repeatedly before he was saved by an off duty police officer.

London was admitted to the San Fernando General Hospital after receiving injuries to his face and ribs, then moved to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mount Hope.

He was released from hospital on Friday and is now at home but is traumatised and nursing his wounds.

The Trinidad and Tobago Football Referees Association (TTFRA) and London’s wife have said the continuation of the league is disrespectful to London.

Marshall does not agree.

He said, “I visited him on Friday and I echoed the league’s sentiments that we are fully standing behind him...we already threw the team out of the league and the players who have been implicated in this horrific act are going to be banned from the league for life. Once we have a league, those players can’t come back with that team or no other team, we don’t want any part of them.”

Marshall said if the league stops, the community will suffer because of a few unruly people.

“If we stop the league then we allow the detractors, these hooligans, these football terrorists as we want to call them, these criminals, to win. When we stop the football, who is going to win? They will — not the community, not the scores of vendors who come out and make a livelihood off the crowd that is there.”

Marshall said the La Brea League will learn from this situation because the community leagues are valuable to TT football. “We are trying our best and we are not perfect. We have a lot to learn still, because in terms of football, eight years is a young league. We are trying to learn from our mistakes and our shortcomings and build upon it, because we have young players who are honing their skills. There is not a player in TT who has played at the international level that does not start off in their community league.”

With official referees withdrawing their services since London’s injury, Marshall has been refereeing all the games since then with volunteers carrying out linesmen duties.

He said the league will take a tremendous financial hit because of what transpired.

“This league is not a sponsored league by any big company...After this incident, we will be under pressure because sponsors and benefactors will not want to attach their name to what happened.”

Marshall called for respect for all referees as they are as passionate about the sport as players and are paid sometimes just $100 per game.

The league will continue tonight from 8 pm at La Brea Recreation Ground, before continuing on Thursday and Friday.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline soccerman

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Re: TTFRA Thread.
« Reply #40 on: April 24, 2018, 03:44:30 PM »
I really hope justice prevails! Speedy recovery ref.
Quote
Marshall called for respect for all referees as they are as passionate about the sport as players and are paid sometimes just $100 per game. :o

Offline Flex

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Re: TTFRA Thread.
« Reply #41 on: April 25, 2018, 01:36:55 AM »
Three T&T referees invited to CONCACAF Tier II Course.
TTFA Media..


Three match officials have been invited to attend the CONCACAF Tier II Course 2018 in Costa Rica from June 8-10. Those officials are Women’s referee Crystal Sobers and Men’ s Assistant Referees Joseph Bertrand and Ainsley Rochard.

The course is designed to continue the development of Tier II Referees and Assistant Referees.

The focus during this course will be on the following:

a. Physical fitness testing(FIFA World Cup Candidate Referee test)

b. Practical and technical training
.

c. Classroom and field sessions, including video tests.

A Fitness Test will be conducted on June 8, 2018 and all match officials must pass the FIFA Referee fitness test. Additionally, Women referees wishing to officiate Concacaf men’s matches, may choose to take the standard FIFA Men’s fitness test.

Rochard is back home after serving his appointment as an assistant referee in the first leg of the CONCACAF Scotiabank Champions League Final between Toronto FC and Chivas in Toronto last Tuesday. Rochard also officiated in the Champions League Semi final between Toronto and Club America on April 4th alongside referee Henry Bejarano and assistant Carlos Fernandez of Costa Rica.

Prior to the match, CONCACAF announced a referee exchange with the Asian Football Confederation, which began when the AFC provided referees for the recent Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League semi-final return leg in Mexico City, between Major League Soccer’s Toronto FC and Liga MX’s Club America.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

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Re: TTFRA Thread.
« Reply #42 on: April 25, 2018, 01:45:03 AM »
Referee’s wife wants him back on the field.
By Yvonne Webb (Newsday).


ELIZABETH London, wife of referee Michael London, who was badly beaten while officiating a match in La Brea, last Thursday, said she would like her husband to continue refereeing in spite of the incident.

Her husband was scheduled to have a CT scan at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (Mt Hope) last night.

Speaking with Newsday yesterday, Elizabeth thanked God and the off-duty officer, who intervened in the attack, for saving London’s life. The officer, who shielded London, fired his gun in the air to stop the attack.

“That is what caused them to scatter,” Elizabeth said as she sat at the side of her husband at the San Fernando General Hospital (SFGH) yesterday evening, while he was about to be transferred by ambulance to Mt Hope to have the CT scan. She said Michael was in a lot of pain and was barely able to speak because of the injuries to his jaw.

She said at first she thought her husband was shot because his nephew, Devon London, who is also a referee was at the game and called her, “He panicked and called me, telling me that Michael was in a fight and he heard a gun shot and to come down to La Brea now, because he could not reach him.”

Elizabeth said as parents of young children, she could not understand the indiscipline of the players and their ingratitude, pointing out that London, 43, bended the rules earlier, delaying the start of the game to accommodate the arrival of some members of the same team who attacked him because of his decision to award a penalty.

Elizabeth called for security on the field during these community games.

She said it is not the first time her husband, who has been a professional referee for about eight years, was attacked. However, she said it is the first time the attack was so savage.

She said in these critical times, security is a must, but players and referees have been left at the mercy of unruly mobs because of the cost factor attached.

London, 43, and his wife Elizabeth, of Fyzabad, are parents of calypsonian brothers Ronaldo and Rivaldo London.

“He gave a penalty and they vex and somebody push him, he push him back, then another person came and hit him and when he hit back, fight start. The team and supporters pounced on him and beat him up,” she explained.

She said doctors have assured there are no broken bones and the injuries would heal, but in time.

Asked if this incident would cause him to rethink his decision to referee, she said it is not a conversation they have had since the incident played out during a community match between Gonzales United and Young Stars in the La Brea Football League.

“I would like him to continue because he is passionate about football. It is something he loves, but it is not safe. I know for sure he will not be going back to La Brea, but apart from that he would have to decide.”

She had also raised concerns about the league continuing in spite of the attack on her husband and last evening maintained it should have been called off pending the outcome of an investigation.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline asylumseeker

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Re: TTFRA Thread.
« Reply #43 on: April 25, 2018, 05:50:38 AM »
Quote
Referee’s wife wants him back on the field.
By Yvonne Webb (Newsday).


...

Elizabeth said as parents of young children, she could not understand the indiscipline of the players and their ingratitude, pointing out that London, 43, bended the rules earlier, delaying the start of the game to accommodate the arrival of some members of the same team who attacked him because of his decision to award a penalty.

...

I'm no Earl Best, but Yvonne Webb yuh jes BEND meh head. "Bended"? I eh know. Ah could be wrong, but MATT may soon need Saturday lessons. First segment on ethics and professional responsibility and a module on .... well, that should be obvious.

According to one source:

"Bended is the archaic past tense of bend. Currently it is mainly used in the phrase on bended knee. This phrase means to be kneeling, usually in front of someone to ask either forgiveness or to propose getting married.

Outside of usage in that specific phrase, bended is an error and bent should be used."
« Last Edit: April 25, 2018, 05:52:36 AM by asylumseeker »

Offline Flex

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Re: TTFRA Thread.
« Reply #44 on: April 26, 2018, 01:43:56 AM »
Have we lost it, T&T?
By Colin Murray (Guardian).


 I was totally shocked and disgusted when I received a video on social media showing a referee being assaulted and badly beaten while doing a minor league game. A short while later, I saw more video footage of the referee being hunted by what I can only describe as a hooligan mob as they attacked him with full force. I thought to myself, what has happened to our society? Where have we as a people gone wrong? The killings, the robberies, the rapes, the incest, etc... What was this referee's crime to be beaten to a pulp by a bunch of savages? Because honestly, that is exactly how it looked.

What was this man's crime? He didn't physically rob anyone. He simply went to referee a minor league match in an area where he assumed that he would have been protected by the officials of the La Brea off-season football league.

Referee Michael London simply went there expecting to service the game to the best of his ability, enjoy the match and return to his loved ones unharmed. He was officiating in a semi-final game and when he gave a penalty against the Young Stars team and further sent off a player, all hell broke loose.

We have seen on many occasions when players and managers do not agree with a referee's decision(s), they surround the officials, often in a quite despicable manner, gesticulating that they were not happy with a particular decision or several decisions during the match; but that is usually as far as it goes. I remember in the English League a few years ago Paolo Di Canio shoved a referee to the ground after he was sent off and he immediately received a lengthy 11 game ban from all football by the English FA.

From all reports coming out of La Brea, the referee was pulled from his car, kicked, cuffed, and beaten with an object that the mob could have put their hands on. Now apparently this was not only supporters of Young Stars, but players as well and thankfully his life was only saved when an off-duty Policeman fired a gunshot in the air. He could easily have been left for dead which crawls my blood thinking that such a heinous crime has reached football. What absolute madness is this in our country and our beloved local football? These people have scarred the good name of La Brea - a community that is well known for its hospitality and the world famous pitch lake where tourists travel many a mile just to experience that “Eighth wonder of the world”. I have no doubts that the warm and friendly people of La Brea will be hanging their heads in shame at what some individuals have now done to the good name of their community and their football.

According to sources, the league is now running without Young Stars which is commendable but we must do better than this. I have not heard a word from the TTFA on an investigation into this entire sordid episode; not that I expected anything from the TTFA because it's not good news and none of them would be posing for photos. They probably would be hiding behind the fact that this is a minor league, not a TTFA sanctioned competition so they would not need to get involved. However, it is football and some of these players may well be playing in TTFA competitions.

I would have thought that by now the TTFA would have asked for a list of the Young Stars team, and been working together with the Police and the La Brea officials to identify the culprits from the team and the spectators and ban them for life from ever playing football again in this country. It is very easy for a change of name or club and these very players can be playing next year for 'Young Giants' for example, so we must rid the system once and for all of these people who play and say they love the beautiful game. As for the spectators, when they are found out to be culpable, post their pictures at all stadia and ban them from ever entering a football game again in this country. It is not difficult to do, it is something done by the various clubs throughout the world and I am sure if the TTFA asks for help from these professional clubs worldwide, they would be more than willing to share the information.

I can say with certainty that most of us have questioned referees' and umpires' decisions but at the end of the day, they are the people in charge and they have a right to be respected; without them, there is no game and when a match can reach the ugly scenes that we witnessed in La Brea last week, those who are in authority must act swiftly and positively as our society will continue to decay unless we clean up the mess at all levels.

To Referee Michael London and his family, I sincerely apologise to you on behalf of all right-thinking sport-loving people of T&T, and I wish you a speedy recovery so you can take to the field again.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

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Re: TTFRA Thread.
« Reply #45 on: April 27, 2018, 01:37:40 AM »
The dangers referees face.
By Alvin Corneal (Guardian).


The recent incident which occurred in La Brea seemed to have sent shivers through parents, players, spectators and even the citizens who do not even go to football. I have often tried to separate the various acts of crime in our country in order to reduce the fear which our people are experiencing throughout the country.

However, how does one explain last week’s incident which was done to the referee, Michael London, whose desire to serve the country’s sport has led him towards a near-death situation while attempting to do his best. This is not the first time and we must bear this in mind.

Our administrators in every league or association, under the umbrella Association, have failed to understand the importance of having security around the playing fields, especially the open community fields where the crowds line the sidelines as close as being able to touch the players at times. Funnily enough, this may well be a shocking example of our behaviour when we compare the supporters in the fifties, sixties, onward to seventies who turned up in thousands to attend a football match in the grand (Queen’s Park) savannah, or the Arima Velodrome, or the popular community fields or anywhere for that matter. I have not have the misfortune of seeing any kind of violence regardless of the sometimes flaring of tempers for short periods during a match.

What we are experiencing is a serious situation which could be good reasons for fans to decide against going to see football. Parents who follow the performances of their children and grandchildren, have already been drawing the attention of the coaches to the horrible behaviour coming from fans and players as well. Some have actually stopped their kids from playing in competitions at school level and even community levels.

I understand the abnormal faculties which cause players to be temporarily angry over what they may have experienced by a tough/rough tackle but the treasures of give-and-take in the process of sport are the ingredients which make sportsmen and women. It would be fair to blame the managers and coaches of these teams. It may also cause the young players to act irresponsibly on varying issues in life, which take that type of behaviour into every aspect of their lives. The corrective process is complicated, regardless of whether we point fingers at parents, players or even school teachers.

However, in sport, especially football, the T&T Football Association (TTFA) must accept the responsibility for putting a machinery into place so that the players can feel safe, the referees as well and most of all, any improvement of this behaviour will increase the attendance of spectators around the playing fields. I wish to suggest that if any club official, coach or manager find themselves in these situations, (yes there are bad eggs at that level sometimes), the lessons for the affiliated clubs, schools, or even community leagues will be, to refuse to take the field unless a security officer is around.

The police have a responsibility to protect and serve the people of this country. No one said that it must be on a busy day, a huge entertainment show, or a day on the beach. I have always been told by my elders, that to correct a serious problem in life, is to correct it immediately and without any form of temporary or gradual transition.

It was a sad day for football in La Brea and I humbly apologise to referee London for the injuries inflicted on him. However, forgive them

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Deeks

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Re: TTFRA Thread.
« Reply #46 on: April 27, 2018, 06:36:11 AM »
I agree with Alvin on this one. I have attended matches in the Savannah where there was real contention, but cool heads prevailed. But this was really brazen. These guys must pay for this act. The only thing I differ with is saying that TTFA has some responsibility for this situation. I don’t buy that. This is a minor league. This is a community league. I am sure they have the blessings of the association. But the people who running this bear full responsibility for this stain on football.

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Re: TTFRA Thread.
« Reply #47 on: April 27, 2018, 06:54:01 AM »
Although the incident occurred in a minor league setting, the incident has major league considerations for football stakeholders. It's not a situation that the TTFA should treat in a compartmentalized way as not its problem. It's an instructive moment that the federation and referees body should respond to in an unblinkered way. The gravity of the situation merits a proactive investment in action akin to that mentioned by Colin Murray.

Offline Tallman

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Referee Crystal Sobers credits commitment and delivery for CONCACAF second place finish
TTFA Media


Trinidad and Tobago’s Crystal Sobers was voted the second best female referee in Concacaf for 2018. Her placing was decided based on votes among national team head coaches, national team captains, experts from the media in Concacaf and fans across the globe.

Sobers placed second behind Mexico’s Lucila Venegas and ahead of third placed Carol Anne Chenard of Canada. She was the only T&T national nominated in all categories for Concacaf’s best of 2018 awards.

On Wednesday Sobers said she was still coming to terms with the accomplishment but put it down to commitment and perseverance in the field.

“I am still digesting this reward of acknowledgement of my commitment and deliverance on the field of play.I feel really inspired to continue my journey towards excellence,” Sobers told TTFA Media.

Sobers officiated at the CONCACAF Under 20 Women’s Championship in 2018, earning a fourth official appointment in the final at IMG Academy in Florida. She also carried the whistle at the CFU Women’s Challenge series, the Central American Women World Cup qualifiers, the CAC Games in Colombia and the CONCACAF Women’s championship (Final round of World Cup qualifiers) in Texas.

“Being passionate about this game, I have accepted that it does not come with a price but more so an energy that fuels the need to enjoy the game for the best of what it has to offer. The CONCACAF U-20s was a stepping stone for me being among the Tier 1 refs and excelling to the final as forth official,” she added.

As to what he believes are her main attributes, Sobers stated, “ My performance on the field comes from a foundation of calmness and strength.I have learned a lot as a player so understanding the game and the use of my personality towards the players has made it easier for all of us to enjoy the game.”

Sobers wants to see more females take up refereeing in Trinidad and Tobago and is also encouraging her male compatriots to keep aspiring towards becoming international referees.

“You have to love the game in order to become a referee. It’s not an easy career but once you have a sense of humour, a willingness to listen and endure tiring training sessions on and off the field, the vast opportunities are there to taste this wonderful career in refereeing,” Sobers said.

TTFA President David John-Williams also credited Sobers for her accomplishment, saying her achievement was testimony to  her dedication and commitment and urged her to continue striving for excellence in the field along with her other refereeing companions who will be announced as T&T’s officials receiving their FIFA badges for 2019 at a press conference next Wednesday at the Home of Football.

One of T&T’s FIFA’s male referees Caleb Wales, congratulated Sobers her on her runner up finish for 2018, saying, “She’s the embodiment of hard work paying off. I’ve seen the effort she puts in on and off the field and this second place finish is the result of that effort. She has incredible focus and it will take her far.”
The Conquering Lion of Judah shall break every chain.

Offline asylumseeker

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Congrats to the ref with the "elegant gait" and firm approach. :beermug:

Link for the first semi-final currently in progress (Mexico vs. Venezuela).

Referee: Crystal Sobers, who some days back a Colombian commentator described as having an "elegant gait". ;D

 

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