CFU Next Generation Referee Course
What is the CFU Next Generation Referee Course?
The CFU NEXT GENERATION Referee Course, commonly called NEXT GEN, is an annual training initiative that targets match officials from the Caribbean Football Union membership who have the requisite abilities to transition to FIFA rank in a year or two. CFU Next Generation Referee Course was conceptualized in 2017, piloted in 2021, and officially implemented in 2022.
The initiative aims to equip the participants with the skills needed to effectively control games of higher quality, ultimately leading to their nomination to the FIFA Refereeing Lists.
The course includes an in-person training intensive session usually held at the start of the year. The participants receive refereeing education, professional development, fitness and nutrition, and other relevant subject areas. They also follow a rigorous physical training regimen. The course continues virtually, with set technical and practical objectives and mentorship.
Match officials from the CFU Next Generation Referee Course cadre are provided with officiating opportunities at the CFU Challenge Series and Concacaf tournaments, which afford them real-time post-match and overall assessments. An elite panel of administrators and facilitators oversees the course.
Why did the CFU institute The CFU Next Generation Referee Course?
CFU Next Generation Referee Course is very significant to the Caribbean refereeing setup. It signifies the broadening of the referee pathway. It enhances referee development by exposing the participants, particularly those not at the elite level, to a professional environment and high-level training geared towards preparing them for the demands of international refereeing.
CFU Next Generation Referee Course hues to the CFU’s strategic objectives in the 2020-2026 Strategic Framework 2.0 under capacity building, which is to have at least one panel of CFU referees represented at every FIFA World Cup.
Is Next Gen open to all CFU Member Associations?
CFU Next Generation Referee Course is open to match officials from all CFU Member Associations (MAs). Admission is based on meritocracy, not simply participatory. Match officials must officiate in their local MA competitions, demonstrate requisite technical knowledge and physical fitness, and perform at optimum levels. While this is a training initiative, it is not a beginner's course.
How does a match official join Next Gen?
The CFU General Secretary heads the CFU Next Generation Referee Course administrative team and receives nominations for match officials to attend the CFU Next Generation Referee Course Course. The administrative team includes renowned Caribbean referee manager Dave Meikle and FIFA Fitness Instructor/CFU Referee Committee Member Kelesha Antoine. Further dialogue is held with the MA’s Heads of Refereeing.
These nominations are confirmed based on established entry requirements.
Next Gen
Admission
The CFU Next Gen is open to a maximum of three participants per MA.
The course is open to men and women referees, including assistant referees.
Participants must be officiating in their local MA and not yet on the FIFA International List
Proposed participants must demonstrate clear potential to be nominated to the FIFA International list within three years. Proposed participants should be 22 or younger, but they must be under thirty-two in the year they will be attending. Proposed participants should have passed the relevant fitness test three months before attending the CFU Next Generation Referee Course.
Through their Referee Departments, CFU Member Associations should also ensure sustained, effective recruitment and training of match officials at the local level. They should also capitalize on the various capacity-building programs offered at the confederation and global levels.
What is the success rate of Next Gen since its establishment?
The CFU held the CFU Next Generation Referee Course pilot during the 2021 CFU U-14 Challenge Series. Thirteen referees who participated in the training were appointed to the 2022 FIFA Refereeing List. Following the tournament's official launch in July 2022, 23 cohort members received appointments to the 2023 FIFA Refereeing Lists. Six match officials from the class of 2023 made the 2024 list. To date, Next Genhas offered 93 spots, with 48 match officials advancing to FIFA.
Where is The CFU Next Gen held?
Next Gen is an itinerant program. In addition to the Challenge Series component in the Dominican Republic in 2021 and 2022 and Antigua in 2023, Jamaica hosted the inaugural course, while Antigua hosted the 2023 edition. The 2024 course was held in Trinidad and Barbados hosted in 2025.
How is Next Gen funded?
Next Gen is a collaborative initiative. Member Associations cover the cost of airfare for their match officials. The host country makes certain concessions, and Concacaf, to date, provides a funding grant. CFU covers the other costs.
