By Jonathan V. Perez
Variety News Staff

REGISTRATION for the second referee clinic sponsored by the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association is still open even though the classroom sessions begin today at 5:30 p.m. at Fiesta Resort & Spa’s Claret Restaurant.
NMIFA referee committee director Dean Tenorio said the clinic is free. However, the persons interested should commit to complete the program in order to receive a training certificate.”
Guam Football Association referee director George Stewart will again conduct the clinic, which aims to develop a pool of referees.
Tenorio, in a telephone interview yesterday, said the clinic is an introductory course on the basic rules of football and referee skills prepared for beginners in the sport.
Tenorio said the NMIFA will issue certificates to persons who complete the three-day course. “Players who want to better understand the rules of football are welcome to join as well as are parents of the kids playing in the NMIFA youth league.”
Tenorio added he is not forcing everyone to complete the three-day clinic. “We are not forcing them to complete the clinic. If they are only available for one or two days or can not complete the whole session they are still welcome to sit in anytime.”
A person who completes the three-day course will get first-level referee certification and has the opportunity to officiate at games in the three NMIFA-organized leagues.
“Please encourage anyone interested in helping as a referee that they must take this opportunity for quality training. Please (inform) coaches and experienced players who you think could benefit from this excellent training program,” said Tenorio.
“Referees who have taken the first session are welcome to refresh their knowledge. However, this will not be an advanced class but will be an introductory course for newcomers.”
The clinic will run from Jan. 5 to 7 and be held at Fiesta Resort & Spa’s Claret Restaurant.
The clinic opens today with a classroom session at 5:30 p.m. On Saturday, the program starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m.
Sunday’s course will run from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. with a field session. An optional match between the referees will be held and will end with a classroom review and test.
The NMIFA held its first clinic from Aug. 11 to 14 last year also at Fiesta Resort & Spa where 20 participated in the three-day clinic.
For more information, email Tenorio at tencnmi1@pticom.com.