With just a few days to go for the 2018-19 season of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL), a workshop for the referees is being conducted by the league in association with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).

The workshop, which began on September 11, witnessed participation from more than 50 referees and assistant referees from the Hero ISL. Taking place at the Reliance Corporate Park and Beverly Park in Navi Mumbai, the four-day event will conclude on September 14.

The main purpose of the workshop is to help the referees of the league gain more knowledge and experience so that they are ready to face challenges during the long season, especially in high-pressure situations.

Richard Beeby, Head of National List Performance, and Robert Shoebridge, PGMOL Senior Match Observer, are in the city to conduct the workshop. The pair has extensive experience as referees, officiating games in the English Premier League and the English Championship. Throughout the workshop, a series of theoretical sessions will be covered by the experts ranging from conflict resolution to the laws of the game, whereas practical sessions will include topics on fitness and pre-match instructions.

Ravishankar Jayaraman, AIFF head of referees, is also present to oversee proceedings at the event. The former referee spoke to indiansuperleague.com on his thoughts about the ongoing workshop and how it would benefit the participants.

“The current course is giving the referees more input, just before the Hero ISL kicks-off in another 15 days. The coaches who are coming in will talk about their experiences in English football. They will teach them how to deal with the emotions of the players who are notorious for committing offences. The workshop will help the referees to clear up their thoughts and have a tactical approach to the games in the season.”

Talking about the participants at the workshop, Richard Beeby had some warm words after conducting sessions with them. "They're an enthusiastic group of individuals who are keen to learn and grow as referees. They are not afraid to take on information and seek knowledge.”

Shoebridge believed that the referees would benefit from the workshop ahead of a long season in the Hero ISL. “All the teams start with a blank canvas and renewed hope and expectations, ambitious of success. An exciting and challenging season of the referees and hopefully they'll be able to put into practice the things learnt in the workshop."

(Report and Pic courtesy: Hero ISL Media Team)