Everywhere around the world, in every sport, referees are identified by badges worn attached to their referee uniform. In soccer, FIFA and European federations prefer referee badges in the shape of a shield, while North American associations use round badges. When specialization was introduced by FIFA in 1992, the title (Referee or Linesman, at the time) was added to the badge, in addition to the FIFA logo. In 2009, FIFA added the year to their badges. Since then, FIFA awards, annually, the following badges: FIFA Referee, FIFA Assistant Referee, FIFA Futsal Referee and FIFA Beach Soccer Referee (see below).
Traditionally, Canadian and USA referees wear round badges. While the Canadian badges do not have a title or year, they differentiate between national officials and non-national officials by the colour of the badge (black/red vs. black/white), which is very unique in the world. Usually, if there is a difference in colours, it is between the roles (Referee/Assistant Referee/Futsal Referee/Beach Soccer Referee) and not between levels/categories. Although round-shaped, USA badges follow the FIFA principles of having the title and the year of registration listed on the badges (see below).
If Canada Soccer would like to modernize their badges and follow the worldwide trend, there could be red/black badges for soccer and white/black badges for futsal (no beach soccer referees in Canada at this time), with the title and the year of registration (see below).
The same model can be applied for referee assessors and instructors (see below).
Having the title on the badge will clearly indicate the role of the match official, while the year of registration will confirm that the match official is registered for the current year. The registration year within the provincial associations shall also be changed to the calendar year to coincide with the registration year used by FIFA and CSA. Every referee and assistant referee will have to get a new badge for the current year, which will provide extra funds for referee development programs.
Just an idea. Happy New Year to all referees!
