Doha: The annual elite referees camp for the Qatar Football Association (QFA)'s referees kicked off on Sunday and is set to run until Aug. 6. The camp brings together 52 elite referees, consisting of 28 central referees and 24 assistant referees, alongside a contingent of top technical lecturers, fitness instructors, and referee evaluators, in addition to medical, technical, and administrative staff engaged in refereeing management activities. Chairman of the Referees Committee, Hani Ballan, affirmed that the new sports season poses a challenge to the referees, noting the superb standing the Qatari referees have reached, both at the Asian and global levels. Speaking virtually, Head of FIFA's Refereeing Department, Massimo Busacca, noted the significance of this camp and lauded the Qatari massive potential and crucial role in providing support for the promotion of Qatari referees. The camp program aims to prepare referees, both technically and physically, in preparation for managing matches in the new seas on, 2024-2025, across various competitions organized by QFA, including physical fitness training, practical applications, and analytical lectures, in addition to expounding the latest amendments to the rules of the game, as well as training on Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology. Additionally, the camp features individual programs specifically tailored for the participating referees, particularly with respect to their health and physical fitness and comprises a final assessment of the technical, physical and medical aspects with the aim of bringing them to the best conditions, prior to the launch of the new season. The camp will embark on reviewing video footage of events that transpired in real matches and engaging in practical training classes with the players. Source: Qatar News Agency