Greene advances to elite CONCACAF VAR certification phase

Guyana’s Shavin Greene has taken a major step toward the pinnacle of regional officiating after successfully advancing to the next stage of the elite Concacaf Video Match Official Certification Programme.

The Guyanese referee was in Miami, Florida, earlier this month to participate in Phase 2 of the prestigious initiative, representing the Golden Arrowhead at one of the region’s highest levels of referee development.

Organised by Concacaf, the advanced certification programme is designed to identify and groom the next generation of Video Match Officials (VMOs), including Video Assistant Referees (VARs) and Assistant Video Assistant Referees (AVARs), for elite regional competitions.

Greene was selected to advance to the crucial in-person assessment phase following a rigorous evaluation process. Decision-makers were impressed by his strong understanding of complex VAR protocols, sound analytical capabilities, and clear potential for development within the modern officiating role.

The intensive training block took place at Concacaf’s centralised replay centre at MediaPro Studios. It focused heavily on the practical application, protocols, and operational standards of video technology in the modern game.

Greene and his peers underwent theoretical instruction, advanced video analysis, and simulation-based decision reviews. The curriculum also heavily emphasised communication training to sharpen teamwork and decision-making under intense pressure.

“Participating in this course has further enhanced my understanding of elite-level officiating standards,” Greene said, reflecting on his time in Miami. “It has reinforced my commitment to professionalism, integrity, and the continued development of football officiating within the region.”

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has viewed Greene’s progression as a significant milestone in its broader strategy to elevate local refereeing standards. The governing body remains committed to aligning Guyanese football officiating with international best practices.

Concacaf considers the VMO Certification Programme a flagship investment in regional refereeing, aimed at ensuring officials can operate seamlessly within high-stakes VAR environments during future Concacaf tournaments.

The GFF extended its congratulations to Greene, commending his dedication to excellence and his role in the ongoing growth of football officiating across Guyana.