CBF Refereeing Commission prioritises cognitive training for PRO category officials
Seventy-two referees complete practical sessions at Clube da Aeronáutica as the Brazilian Football Confederation implements new performance management protocols.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has advanced its professional refereeing development programme with the conclusion of practical on-field training for the second 2026 PRO CBF training camp. Seventy-two referees from the PRO CBF category participated in the sessions at the Clube da Aeronáutica in Rio de Janeiro, marking a significant step in the entity’s strategy to standardise performance metrics across its officiating ranks.
The training camp, hosted at the Hilton Hotel in Barra da Tijuca, moved beyond traditional theoretical instruction to incorporate technical, physical, and cognitive exercises. A key feature of the current session was the integration of video screens on the pitch, designed to simulate match pressure and recreate official game scenarios. This approach allows officials to practice decision-making in high-stress environments without the immediate constraints of a live fixture.
Rodrigo Cintra, president of the CBF Refereeing Commission, emphasised the necessity of this holistic approach. He stated that the training aims to optimise performance for high-pressure environments by combining technical and physical aspects with cognitive development. According to Cintra, the objective is to enable referees to reach a peak level of performance through small, controlled adjustments, ensuring they are prepared for the demands of official matches.
The camp follows the first PRO CBF meeting held in April at Granja Comary, which involved more than 100 participants. During that initial gathering, 72 referees received their PRO category badges and new Garmin Forerunner 970 watches. This equipment distribution coincides with Garmin’s appointment as the new partner for CBF Refereeing, establishing a new framework for performance management.
Under the partnership with Garmin, all PRO category referees, assistant referees, and VAR officials are monitored via GPS. The CBF’s health and performance professionals conduct this monitoring remotely, allowing for continuous data analysis and performance tracking. The group is scheduled to remain in Rio de Janeiro until Friday, 22 May, to complete the remaining components of the training camp.
