Preparations are well under way ahead of the 2016 season, and the first PRO preseason training camp of the year will take place in Phoenix, Arizona, from January 29 to January 31. The camp will be attended by all of the Organization's officials, assessors and support staff. Whilst in Phoenix, all staff will participate in various sessions covering a number of topics, whilst reviewing 2015 and looking ahead to the upcoming season. PRO Sports Scientists Matt Hawkey and Andy Bosak will put the officials through their paces in a series of fitness tests, and Sports Nutritionist Gena Wollenberg will also be on hand to offer guidance. A number of guest attendees will be present to speak about various aspects of the game, from offside interpretation to consistent application of the law, and all staff will receive their new kit for the season.

PRO's Referee Manager Michael Kennedy said: �This upcoming seminar in Phoenix is a time to review the good practices our hard-working group displayed last season. However, more importantly, to strive for further consistency in the application of the laws and continue to adapt to the increased demands of the modern game. These match officials set high standards for themselves and our objective is to give them the tools to reach their goals.�

Paul Rejer, PRO's Training & Development Manager, added: �This is our biggest event of the year and it gives us the opportunity to review last season and discuss initiates for this forthcoming season. We have FIFA instructors Hector Vergara (photo) and Peter Prendergast in attendance, presenting on important issues such as the offside interpretation and positioning, and have a Sports Psychologist to assist our guys, all with the aim of improving performance. We are also utilizing recently retired successful assistant referees Greg Barkey and Bill Dittmar. Greg, in his role as PRO�s new AR Manager, will be addressing the ARs with his expectations and Bill, with the experience of his business life as a motivational speaker, will close the weekend as keynote speaker�.