Professionalism of the referee team running the 2023 Nghe An Newspaper Cup Youth - Children Football Tournament

Referees working at the 25th Nghe An Newspaper Cup Youth - Children Football Tournament in 2023. Photo: Duc Anh

The right wave

On the afternoon of a day in mid-June, the A stands of Vinh Stadium were almost full. The heat was clearly felt by the cheers coming from the large audience present. Referee Duong Duy Dung blew the whistle and the final match between Quynh Luu Youth and Vinh City Youth began.Youth - Children Football Tournament - Nghe An Newspaper CupThe 25th edition in 2023 officially takes place.

Unlike the nature of a final match, the two teams did not have any intention of probing but immediately increased the tempo of attack. With the blazing speed that the players on both sides set, the referee team controlling the final match had to always be highly focused in order to make accurate decisions.

The controversial situation came in the middle of the second half, when some Quynh Luu spectators thought that the Vinh City goalkeeper had fouled the home team's striker in the penalty area and demanded a penalty. However, after reviewing the image broadcast on Nghe An Newspaper's livestream, it can be seen that before kicking off, the Vinh City Youth goalkeeper was closer to the ball than the opposing player. Therefore, according to the law, the goalkeeper did not foul the Quynh Luu striker in that situation.

It can be affirmed that in just a matter of seconds, referee Duong Duy Dung made an accurate decision. To achieve that, the referee team controlling the match must have a very good grasp of the rules, always maintain high concentration, judge situations well and have enough courage to not be pressured from outside the field.

The Organizing Committee of the 25th Nghe An Newspaper Cup Youth - Children Football Tournament in 2023 presented flowers to the referee team in charge of the final match of the youth event. Photo: Duc Anh

Following the situation, FIFA Assistant Referee Tran Duy Khanh said: “The main referee in charge of the final match had an accurate hand wave in the situation where the goalkeeper Thieu Nien TP Vinh collided with a Quynh Luu player in the penalty area. In addition, throughout the process of control, the referee team always had smooth coordination and high concentration, thereby contributing to a successful match.”

The referee team was voted the best of the tournament. Photo: Duc Anh

At the end of the final match, Quynh Luu Youth with their excellence won with a score of 3-2. This victory helped the Quynh team officially step up to the highest position of the 25th Nghe An Newspaper Cup Youth - Children's Football Tournament in 2023. At the same time, with precise and smooth management, the referee team controlling the final match was also voted by the organizing committee as the excellent referee team of the tournament. The referees of the final match not only did well in handling situations on the field, but also showed flexibility in helping the young strikers gain more confidence and excitement to show their full playing ability. It can be affirmed that they contributed greatly to bringing an eye-catching final match, satisfying the expectations of the large audience watching the match.

Contribute greatly to the success of the tournament

In the days before the tournament, the refereeing work is always focused on and given great attention by the organizing committee, because for the tournament to be successful, the management of each match must be truly fair, objective, and in accordance with the law. In addition, in order for the young players to fully enjoy the joy, fairness and creating excitement for them to compete are extremely important.

With those criteria, the organizing committee invited the Nghe An Referee Board to directly manage the tournament. Under the direction and organization of referee Tran Duy Khanh (FIFA Assistant Referee), the referee team working at this year's tournament has shown professionalism, high expertise, objectivity and is not influenced by any ideological influences.

Many young referees are involved in officiating matches. Photo: Duc Anh

All referees participating in the 25th Youth - Children Football Tournament of Nghe An Newspaper Cup in 2023 have at least a primary certificate issued by the Vietnam Football Federation. What is special about this year's tournament is that there are quite a few referees who are very young. This team is well-trained, has access to new knowledge, and always shows acumen and quickness when directing matches.

Before each match, the Referee Board will select a team of referees to control. Each member of the referee team must meet the criteria such as having enough expertise, good health, not being related to the region, having a relationship with the two teams competing on the field... In addition, the referee team participating in this tournament is also equipped with walkie-talkies and standard uniforms to help facilitate the process of controlling the match.

All of the above factors have contributed to the referees performing their duties well in all past matches of the tournament. Unlike some previous seasons, when there were often lawsuits and disputes, this year the teams all expressed satisfaction with the referees' management.

Mr. Vu Duc Quyet - Coach of Yen Thanh Youth Team said: “I have coached Yen Thanh teams participating in the Youth - Children's Football Tournament of Nghe An Newspaper Cup many times, but this year I found the referee team to be very professional in controlling the matches. They are equipped with modern equipment, have good professional expertise, and control the matches objectively, impartially, and fairly. That brings satisfaction not only to our team but perhaps to all other teams participating in the tournament. I was only really not satisfied with the opening match of Yen Thanh Youth Team when the young referee team was a bit confused. However, after receiving feedback from the team, Nghe An Referee Board learned from experience and made timely adjustments. I think that this year's tournament was successful, with the contribution of the referee team.”

Comrade Ngo Duc Kien - Party Secretary, Editor-in-Chief of Nghe An Newspaper, Head of the Organizing Committee and Mr. Nguyen Dinh Nghia - Deputy General Director of Song Lam Nghe An Club directly watched the competing teams. Photo: Duc Anh

Evaluating the refereeing work at the 25th Nghe An Newspaper Cup Youth - Children Football Tournament in 2023, Mr. Nguyen Dinh Nghia - Deputy General Director of Song Lam Nghe An Club, Deputy Head of the Tournament Organizing Committee said: “The referees were very aware of their responsibilities as members of the Nghe An Referee Board. They worked very well, controlling the matches objectively, so there were no complaints from the teams sent to the Organizing Committee. We highly appreciate the contributions of the referee team in this tournament”.

Thus, the 25th Youth - Children's Football Tournament of Nghe An Newspaper Cup 2023 has come to an end. The tournament has truly been a festival for children across the province every summer. The tournament has been successful beyond expectations, with the resonance from many sides such as the organization, the professional quality of the football teams, the media... Especially with the contribution of the referee team directly running the tournament.