The Canadian Football League (CFL) has announced that six participants will take part in the league’s officiating academy.
Launched last year, the program operates with a precise goal, to help develop, train and support Canada’s pipeline of officials.
The CFL Officiating Academy is a yearlong program that provides participants with the opportunity to work closely with league staff and officials to deepen their knowledge of officiating, while gaining the experience and skill development needed to progress at the amateur and professional levels.
Participants take part for a maximum of two years.
The instructions begins with CFL Officiating Training Camp from May 4-7 – includes virtual and in-person sessions to develop the technical aspects of officiating, such as mechanics, standards, fitness, administration and more. The academy also focuses on personal, emotional and mental well-being to prepare participants for the elation and challenges of a career in officiating.
Participants may be assigned to a CFL pre-season game, Passing Showcases, CFL Training Camp scrimmages, or placement in support staff positions for CFL games or in the CFL Command Centre.
Dan Fleischhaker is the lone representative from Saskatchewan.
Here is the full list of the participants.
2023 CFL OFFICIATING ACADEMY PARTICIPANTS
(Name | Hometown | Local association | Officiating position | Program status)
• Sharon Airey | Edmonton | Edmonton OA | Umpire | New
• John Paul Chorney | Winnipeg | MFOA | Umpire | New
• Hassan Cohen | Nanaimo, B.C. | BCFOA | Back judge | Returning
• Dan Fleischhaker | Regina | Regina FOA | Side judge | New
• Romeo Kabongo | Airdrie, Alta. | Edmonton OA | Line judge | Returning
• Eric LeBlanc | Dieppe, N.B. | NBFOA | Line judge | New
• Tim Louman-Gardiner | Vancouver | BCFOA | Line judge | New
• Matt Spetter | Edmonton | Edmonton OA | Umpire | New
• Anthony Williams | Dartmouth, N.S. | NSFOA | Side judge | Returning
• Vincent Williams | Halifax | NSFOA | Line judge | Returning
With files from the Canadian Football League
