Dianne Ferreira-James: Women all over the world have been breaking barriers and glass ceilings
Kaieteur News – Concacaf – Football and cricket are the biggest sports in Guyana, a country surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, and Venezuela, Brazil and Suriname. In this place where you can find Amazonian rainforests, tremendous waterfalls, and vibrant indigenous culture, Guyanese Dianne Ferreira-James was captivated by both sports.
Before becoming a referee, he captained Guyana in cricket, football, and volleyball and played on several national teams. The adjudicator, a former police officer in immigration administration and sport, is the Head of Adjudication of the Bahamas Football Association and one of the chief female officers of the Caribbean and Concacaf region.
She has enjoyed over a decade on FIFA’s international roster, which gave her the opportunity to see the world and experience extraordinary sporting events.
The Concacaf Elite Assessor has attended several FIFA Competitions and Olympics and awarded all FIFA and Concacaf tournaments with 99 international matches including FIFA Qualifiers at all levels and over 500 games both locally and internationally.
When did you first get involved in refereeing?
In 1997 I was awarded an award by former FIFA referee Gerald Laurie, who felt I possessed the qualities of a FIFA referee mainly because of my athleticism as an 800m and 1500m runner, strong personality and mental toughness as a policeman.
Why are you passionate about refereeing?
Refereeing has given me the opportunity to see the world, experience great sporting events, meet amazing people, make friends, enjoy the “beautiful game” as a referee on the field among the world’s best players and teams, as well as viewer. In addition, I still enjoy those moments as an Assessor, providing motivation and sharing information so others can experience such moments.
How would you define competitiveness?
I’d say find solutions to any expected and unexpected challenges the game presents. Watch many games to learn the strengths and weaknesses of players, teams and strategies how to counteract such situations. Being consistent, physically fit, enforce the laws in a practical and respectful way. As an Assessor, upgrade my knowledge base on LOTG (Laws of the Game) and regularly watch and analyze video clips so that referees can be properly advised and answered.
You’ve been recognized as a leading football referee in Guyana, what’s the secret to success in the game?
Passion and love of the game along with a determination to succeed. Initially, it was difficult because I had no women’s games in my country, so I had to administer only men’s games. That transition from male to female was challenging because as men move faster, there are rough challenges, there can be aggressive players and spectators. The mindset must be constantly changing to fit your environment. I soon developed a repeat of “ref no-nonsense ref” because I refused to tolerate player abuse and find a solution to controlling players. I’d say being a policeman worked in my favor to gain respect off the field, which made it a little more relaxed on the field. My strategy was to control the troublesome players who in turn helped me control their players.
Is there any one feature or component that you can recommend to our young women that has led to your success?
Passion for whatever career path you choose. It drives you to pursue your goals regardless of the obstacles you face. Being humble isn’t just saying “you’re humble,” I think it’s a feminine characteristic. However, regardless of gender, being humble leads very effectively.
What is the importance of coaching and mentoring in deciding to become a referee?
It provides an opportunity to learn not only the rules of the game but how to interact with various personalities as a referee has to manage 22 different personalities on the pitch. It adds value, provides leadership and growth, develops and enhances skills such as communication, and boosts confidence professionally or personally.
What strategies or programs can help support women of color or black female athletes to join the game?
Overall, football empowers lucrative careers with female players making great strides and encouraging clubs and organizations to recognize their contribution as important as male athletes and players. Women around the world have been breaking barriers and glass ceilings that now give women or women of color and lower socioeconomic status hope to live in an abusive environment of any kind.
Girls and girls of color have fewer resources and a higher poverty rate, where sport can provide a path for development. FIFA’s aggressive campaign to eliminate racism and discrimination among players, coaches and football enthusiasts will see more women of color join the sport. I believe that all organizations should develop gender equity policies and create an environment of fairness that provides opportunities for female athletes to realize or pursue their dreams; this will help close the gap that exists.
How do you prove that women belong to the game, to referee?
Gender should not be a factor in anything you aim to do and in judgment is no different. In today’s world, women are just as competent and competent as men and have effective leadership qualities and behaviors to lead any organization. Women are born with excellent management skills. We start by managing our homes, our children and that extends to our working environment. We don’t need to imitate men, that’s a misconception. I work in a male dominated sport, and recently assessed the Scotiabank Concacaf League Final along with another woman Kathryn Nesbitt (USA).
The rules don’t change when you’re a woman, so many women break down barriers at every level as seen in the Super Bowl and a trio of female referees (Edina / Neuza / Mariana) at the FIFA Club World Cup and many others around the world. The focus should be on talent and potential equality, echoed repeatedly by Concacaf’s Director of Development, Brian Hall.
What is your biggest dream as a referee?
My biggest dream became a reality many years ago having the honor of attending 7 FIFA Tournaments in my 14 year career. Awarding the 2002 Edmonton FIFA U19 Finals and Athens 2004 Semi-Final and Finals (ET) potential.