Becoming a top-tier football referee in Nigeria involves more than just passion for the game. The journey demands intellectual rigor, particularly through the annual Nigeria referees Association examinations that determine promotions to higher grades.
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The initial step for young referees is the RIT (Referee in Training) to Grade 3 exam, a crucial foundation for a successful career.
Reflecting on this process, a senior referee once shared how mastering the laws of the game during his RIT-3 exam in the 90s provided a solid foundation that he still relies on today.
The passion to excel and the fear of failure drive candidates to thoroughly study the 17 laws of the game, often dedicating over three months to preparation.
Properly understanding the laws at the RIT stage is essential; without this foundation, future progress could be jeopardized.
The NRA examination requires more than last-minute cramming. Successful candidates must immerse themselves in sports news, gather knowledge about FIFA member associations, their tournaments, local leagues, and keep abreast of updates from the NFF and FIFA referee listings.
The general knowledge section of the Nigeria Referees Association exam is particularly challenging, often requiring insights beyond the rulebook.
Early preparation is key. Personally, I dedicated a notebook to the study of the laws, rewriting them in a way that made sense to me.
This method helped reinforce my understanding and was evident in my performance during games as an assistant referee.
The only time I feared failure was in 2020, due to the pandemic and other disruptions, but early preparation for the rescheduled exam in 2021 ensured success.
Experience and practice are crucial. Drawing the field of play, listing offenses, and engaging in theoretical sessions during routine training build the necessary expertise.
Attention to detail is paramount; follow exam instructions meticulously, avoid common pitfalls like using correcting fluid, and always bring your ID cards and number.
The journey to becoming an elite referee is demanding, but with dedication and early preparation, success is within reach.
