Calgary, AB - The Calgary District Soccer Referees Association (CDSRA) is thrilled to announce the launch of the Referee Enhanced Development Program (RED), a pioneering initiative designed to empower and elevate brand new referees. RED represents a significant milestone in the CDSRA's commitment to fostering referee education and development, focusing on the crucial 16 hours of education following the entry-level course.

RED is an integral part of the newly established CDSRA Referee Development Pathway, an innovative framework that allows referees to chart their path towards success at higher levels of soccer officiating. This program aims to inspire, support, and retain referees, acknowledging their diverse backgrounds and the importance of a strong support network.

"The CDSRA recognizes that nurturing our referees is essential to the growth of soccer officiating, from grassroots to elite levels," said Steve Papp, CDSRA Vice-President. "The RED program is a game-changer, providing the education, mentorship, and guidance needed to help referees thrive in their roles. This program will be instrumental in ensuring we have skilled and passionate referees for all levels of the game."

The inaugural session of the RED program kicked off on November 8, 2023, with 15 enthusiastic referees in attendance, with the second session held on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, attracting over 20 referees via Zoom.

RED's emphasis on inclusivity and diversity is a testament to its forward-thinking approach. It's vital for referees from various backgrounds and younger officials to see their peers successfully navigating the same journey. This not only fosters a sense of community but also drives retention and advancement within the sport.

The RED program builds on the remarkable success of its previous edition in 2018-2019, led by Sebastian Richters and Laurie Darvill. Notably, this initiative propelled several young officials into the system, including current CARD Level 3 Referees: Mazen Hassanin, Luke Garland, Joshua Gall, Shaelyn Holdaway, and Adam Benani. All five officials advanced their careers by attending the Canada Soccer Centralized Provincial Promotion Course and are now actively involved in the Canada Soccer National Referee Program, representing the pinnacle of officiating within the province.

Alexander Baryshev serves as the program leader for RED and can be reached at Alexander.Baryshev@cdsra.org for additional information and inquiries.

The CDSRA is committed to nurturing the next generation of referees, arming them with the skills and support required for success. With the launch of the RED program, the association takes a significant stride toward realizing this vision.

For more information about the Referee Enhanced Development Program (RED) and the Calgary District Soccer Referees Association (CDSRA), please visit CDSRA.org/programs