THE Central Visayas Regional Football Association (CVRFA) is set to conclude its hosting of the four-day Philippine Football Federation national futsal referees course level 1 seminar at the Don Bosco Technological Center today, Dec. 2.

Nineteen referees from out-of-town and eight referees from Cebu joined the seminar, which is conducted by Ray Ritaga, Periong Barlas and PFF referees committee chairman Allan Martinez. There were supposed to be 24 out-of-town participants but some did not make it to Cebu.

Engr. Rodney Orale, the head of the referees committee of the CVRFA, said the participants and PFF officials were overwhelmed by the support given by the CVRFA.

“They were looking for a dormitory-type of billeting since they were afraid they might come up short but we told them that we will just shoulder the difference,” Orale told SunStar Cebu in Cebuano. “We also offered them a service vehicle but they declined because the support we have given is too much already.”

Orale said the PFF chose Cebu as host of the seminar since there are a lot of futsal tournaments here and Cebu also has young referees who have a lot of potential.

The participants of the four-day seminar are Christopher Benegian of North Davao RFA; Jose Dindo Pogoy and Fran Ray Ompoy of the Department of Education; Gilbert Consencino of Masbate, Jay Pontillas and Mariano Diongco of Nosirfa; Kevin Rondel Yatan of Davao RFA; Jourdan Tanaieon, Nomar GOmez, Jonnifer Almeda, John Tanaleon of Iloilo FA; Benjo Mateo, Eric Cris Torres, Rodolfo Reyes and Jerwin Dayrit of Central Luzon RFA; Zaraha Mae Malatbat and Kenneth Pagador of Allianz; Feigi Louio of EVRFA; and Jony Anthony Arcete of Panay.

The participants from Cebu are Archival Commendador, Kerwin Rodriguez, Janry Acaso, Dave Intong, Levie Sabella and Jasper Gerarman.

For the practical sessions, the CVRFA tapped the futsal teams of St. Theresa’s College, Don Bosco Technological Center and Southwestern University. They also tapped Rapid for the team of medics during their fitness test.

Orale said that some of the referees from Cebu are being groomed to represent the country in futsal tournaments abroad.

“They chose the younger referees so they can have a longer time to serve as referees,” he said. However, Orale said the chosen referees may have to relocate to Manila, where they can officiate in more futsal tournaments and gain more experience. ML