Former CFL player among participants in Officiating Academy

Developing next wave of refs critical to growth of the game

TORONTO Former CFL player Rolly Lumbala will be among nine participants in the CFL’s inaugural Officiating Academy.

The aim of the program is to increase the number of qualified high-performance officials in Canada. Participants will get to work with league staff and officials to increase their knowledge of officiating and develop the skillset to work at the amateur and pro levels.

“The development of officials goes hand-in-hand with the growth of the game,” CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie said in a statement. “Whether these participants go on to work at the amateur level in their hometowns, or they join the league’s officiating crew one day, our focus is on providing a highquality foundation for them to help elevate the future of Canadian football.”

Each participant will take part in the program for a maximum of two years. Successful graduates may be selected to join the CFL’s staff or continue to work in the amateur ranks until a pro opportunity arises. The academy will include virtual and in-person sessions.

The six-foot-two, 245-pound Lumbala spent 11 seasons (2008-18) as a fullback with the B.C. Lions. Since retiring from football, Lumbala has worked as an official in B.C.

“You can’t play entertaining and safe games without qualified and trained officials,” said Brian Ramsay, the executive director of the CFL Players’ Association. “The development of referees is an important way we can help grow the game and keep it competitive, and the Officiating Academy will help fulfil an important need for qualified game officials at all levels of football in Canada.”

The participants will take part in an officiating training camp May 13-15, where they’ll have an opportunity to work with and learn from current CFL officials. There could also be opportunities for the participants to be assigned to the women’s red/white game, East-West Bowl, passing showcases and CFL training camp scrimmages as well as serve as support staff for CFL games.

“The life of an official extends beyond the field,” said Darren Hackwood, the CFL’s associate vicepresident, officiating. “Our goal is to put officials in the best position to succeed, and in turn, they’ll be able to better support well-officiated and well-played football.

“Beyond the program, we’ll continue to work with our participants and monitor their progress as they move forward with their officiating careers.”

The development of referees is an important way we can help grow the game and keep it competitive, and the Officiating Academy will help fulfil an important need for qualified game officials at all levels of football in Canada.

BRIAN RAMSAY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CFL PLAYERS’ ASSOCIATION