Professor Kim Dong-jin (50, Andong Science University Soccer Department), who had been on the K-League stage as a referee, transformed into an evaluator and left another mark.토토사이트
Professor Kim participated as an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) referee instructor and evaluator in the soccer event of the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, which ended earlier this month. He played two roles: one as an instructor teaching AFC referees, and the other for evaluating the referees assigned to the game.
Not everyone is given the opportunity. You must be invited by AFC to attend the Elite Referee Instructor Seminar. You must pass the seminar, which lasts for 4 days and 3 nights, and takes a practical test, written test, English conversation, and interview. Professor Kim killed two birds with one stone and became a referee instructor and evaluator. He is currently the only AFC referee instructor and evaluator in Korea.
Professor Kim’s first performance was at the last Asian Games. Before starting the competition, Professor Kim shook off the burden from his heart. Last March, he was investigated by the Sports Ethics Center on suspicion of being involved in an unsavory incident. It was only after about six months that he was acquitted of the charges.
He said, “It was a result I was really looking forward to, but I didn’t know it would take this long. I’m glad that I was able to prove that I didn’t do anything that would put the Korea Football Association and referees in trouble.” He also added, “I am also grateful to my family and friends who suffered with me.”
Professor Kim’s schedule for Hangzhou was tight. Starting with stadium simulation training early in the morning, video training on game rules was provided to help ensure consistent decisions. Afterwards, he held a preliminary meeting with the referee assigned to the game, and after the game, he provided feedback on what went well and what needs to be improved.
Professor Kim said, “I barely had time to rest,” and reflected, “I had experience refereeing competitions hosted by the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA), but this time I had to help referees develop, so there was a lot to think about.” At the same time, he laughed, saying, “One of the evaluators had to return due to personal reasons, so he was left in charge of 8 games.” He added, “It felt like something happened.”
Professor Kim participated in the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup final as a stand-in referee. Although I have experience in K-League and FIFA competitions, this competition was even more special. In addition to himself, who participated as a referee instructor and evaluator, Koreans were all included in the fields of referees (4 people) and AFC physical fitness instructor (1 person).
Professor Kim said, “I have been an international FIFA referee for about 15 years, but this was the first time I worked with Koreans in such a field. I felt proud and satisfied seeing each other.” He explained, “Ultimately, since referees are also evaluated, it was possible to immediately share information about the areas they focus on.”
He also told stories that could not be heard through broadcasts. In the round of 16 match between Uzbekistan and Indonesia, Indonesia’s goal was canceled due to an offside decision. As a result, the Indonesian player protested the decision and was sent off after receiving a second warning. Professor Kim said, “As the player left the stadium, he hit and damaged the plastic barrier,” and added, “I watched the video again after the game, but the assistant referee’s decision was correct.”
He also met and talked with coach Hwang Seon-hong, who came to check Uzbekistan’s strength. Professor Kim, who attended three Uzbekistan games, told us about the people and styles of interest. They also joked that the better Korea’s performance, the fewer Korean evaluators and referees it will be assigned, so they should be sent home quickly.
Professor Kim said, “China’s games are always rough, so there is a lot of report to be written after the game,” and reflected, “In this respect, Korea responded quite well.” He explained, “Soccer is a sport that requires physical contact, and the players played well by walking the line between confrontation and ignoring.”
Korean referees disappeared from the world stage. Since assistant referee Jeong Hae-sang at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, no one has appeared on the World Cup stage. If we narrow the scope to referees, we have to go back 21 years to the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup.
Professor Kim emphasized proactiveness to Korean referees. He said, “From an evaluator’s perspective, Korean referees are very polite. In the case of foreign referees, they come to me and ask for advice even when I am eating.” In addition, he explained, “They even come to the room where I stay and ask for a meeting,” adding, “As the skills of the Korean referees are recognized in Asia, there is a need to make their presence more visible.”
At the same time, he also revealed his commitment to training his juniors. Professor Kim is working hard to train soccer players, including referees, at the university. He said, “I am in a position to teach students, but thanks to President Kwon Sang-yong’s consideration, I am having various experiences at AFC. Although I have not been able to achieve my dream of becoming an adult World Cup referee, I would like to pave the way a little while waiting for the day when I will become a Korean referee. “I also want to serve as a conduit for providing information on the international stage to the association’s education field,” he said.
Lastly, Professor Kim expressed his aspirations, saying, “My career as a referee is over, but my dream of the World Cup still remains. I want to improve with consistent efforts and participate in the World Cup as an evaluator.”