Canada Soccer announced on Friday that five Canadian officials will take part in the Women’s World Cup, which takes place in Australia and New Zealand next month.
In addition to Drew Fischer, who we see in Major League Soccer, there are four women: referee Marie-Soleil Beaudoin, who lives in Halifax but grew up in Quebec, assistant Chantal Boudreau from Saskatoon, referee Myriam Marcotte from Quebec and Carole from Ottawa Anne Chénard, who is automatically featured in the video.
It will be Marcotte’s first experience after competing at the U17 Women’s World Cup in India last year.
Beaudoin refereed the 2019 Women’s World Cup, as well as the 2016 and 2018 editions of the U17 Women’s World Cup.
Boudreau was nominated for the 2019 Women’s World Cup, as well as the 2016 and 2018 U-20 Women’s World Cups, while Chénard is the only player to have competed in a Women’s World Cup. She participated in 2011 and 2015. She also took part in the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games.
with the men
In a Zoom video conference on Friday, the four French-speaking women shared their experiences in the Canadian Premier League (PLC) as a good place to start preparing for the women’s tournament.
“Serving in the PLC allows us to improve. It’s a great experience that allows us to referee at home with a good level of play,” explains Myriam Marcotte.
The referees’ physical preparation is similar to that of the players, so they need the repetitions in a circuit like the PLC.
“The PLC gives us a professional environment, we’re under pressure to make the right decisions every week and that’s the kind of pressure we like and need as civil servants,” notes Beaudoin.
Progress
The North American leagues have seen a sharp increase in the level of play in recent years. This is particularly noticeable in the MLS.
This is by no means a problem for the officers, it actually makes their lives easier.
“As referees, we are the first to see and appreciate this development,” says Marie-Soliel Beaudoin. As a referee, anticipating the game is an important concept. Paradoxically, this is much easier when the level of play is higher.
“When the level of play goes up, it’s a lot easier to position yourself. Physically, we’ve had so much training that we’re able to keep up with the pace of the game.
Not easy for young people
As in many sports, it is not easy to train new officials and then retain them.
Carole Anne Chénard hopes her experience will inspire young people.
“The opportunities that young referees had at the World Cup show that there is a way out. We have to mentor them locally and we have to find the best way to mentor young people.
In the eyes of the veteran, life becomes easier as referees advance at the provincial level or higher.
“I’ve always said that it’s more difficult on the ground than at the World Cup because it’s a lot more personal on the ground.
“Boos can be heard on our side, but it’s nothing personal and we have the experience to deal with it. We need to create a community of referees who support young people.
“We know it’s not easy, but personally I’ve had far more positive than negative experiences in this area,” adds Marie-Soleil Beaudoin.