Bajan officials among FIFA’s elites
Two Barbadian women are now part of an elite group in global football refereeing, as FIFA assistant referees Jaselle Louison and Abigail Brathwaite have earned places on the prestigious FIFA international referees’ list.
Louison, who was added in 2024, joins Brathwaite, who made the list in 2023, in representing Barbados at the highest level of football officiating.
The two were chosen to represent the island at the regional training programme, which forms part of the Caribbean Football Union’s (CFU) observance of International Women’s Day on March 8.
The CFU women’s match officials course took place March 7-9 in Antigua and Barbuda and was aimed at providing an opportunity for female referees across the region to develop their skills and network with their peers.
Football has always been a part of Louison’s life. Inspired by her stepfather Andrew Herbert, a local referee, she transitioned from playing the sport to officiating at just 14 years old.
Her defining moment came at 18 when she officiated her first Premier League match, proving doubters wrong with her skill and composure.
More recently, she officiated in the CFU Boys’ Under-14 Challenge Series Tier 1 final between Jamaica and French Guiana, an achievement she cherishes.
Despite facing stereotypes in a traditionally male-dominated field, Louison believes concentrating on her craft has meant that naysayers have less to go on.
“Sometimes people think you aren’t as good as the men, but I overcome this by showing that hard work speaks for itself. I can meet the standards, and it shows in my performance,” she said, adding that “initiatives like the CFU women’s match officials course help to break barriers and encourage more female participation in refereeing.”
Similarly, Brathwaite has carved her path to the top, with a career highlight of officiating two major international finals in 2024 – the Concacaf Women’s Under-17 Championship final in Mexico and the Concacaf Girls’ Under-15 Championship final in Costa Rica.
Brathwaite acknowledges the challenges female referees face, including criticism and societal biases.
“When a female steps on the pitch as a referee or assistant referee, especially in a men’s game, there can be a perception that we may not be taken as seriously as our male counterparts. However, once they see our good decisions and ability to keep up with the game, they realise we belong,” she said.
She credits FIFA’s increasing investment in women’s football for creating more opportunities and breaking down barriers.
“Being a FIFA assistant referee has taken me to places I never thought I would go, and it has made me into a more resilient and disciplined individual. These qualities are useful both on and off the field,” she said.
Both women were inspired by the recent CFU women’s match officials course. Brathwaite was particularly moved by learning about Barbadian trailblazer Gillian Martindale, a former FIFA World Cup referee, who helped pave the way for women in the field.
Looking ahead, both Louison and Brathwaite are committed to inspiring and mentoring the next generation of female referees in Barbados. They hope to see more women take up the whistle and seize the opportunities that refereeing can offer.
“I don’t see a significant interest among females in officiating yet, but I am hoping that through continued awareness and mentoring, more will come on board,” Louison said.
Brathwaite suggested that women’s clubs should introduce their players to refereeing through Barbados Football Association’s courses.
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