Resilient Return: Canada’s Chenard Triumphs Over Cancer to Rejoin Women’s Team

Canadian Referee Carol Anne Chenard Triumphs Over Cancer and Returns to the FIFA Women’s World Cup

Celebrating a Life Moment

Carol Anne Chenard, a 46-year-old referee from Ottawa, had her life turned upside down when she was diagnosed with breast cancer on the eve of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France. Instead of officiating at the tournament, she found herself undergoing chemotherapy. Now, four years later, Chenard has made a triumphant return to the World Cup as a video assistant referee (VAR) at the tournament in Australia and New Zealand. Chenard‘s resilience and determination in the face of adversity is truly worth celebrating.

A Journey of Unknowns

Despite the uncertainty brought on by her cancer diagnosis, Chenard was determined to continue in the sport she loved. Her initial goal was to return to the field for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but her treatment lasted longer than expected. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, leading to the postponement of the Games. With her health still uncertain, Chenard decided to retire as an on-field official in October 2020. However, she remained connected to the game by taking instructor and assessor courses and had a dream of becoming a video assistant referee.

A New Role as a VAR

Chenard‘s dream became a reality when she began training with the Professional Referee Organization (PRO), which manages the referee and assistant referee program in Canadian and U.S. professional soccer. The VAR role allowed Chenard to stay involved in soccer in a less physically demanding way. Her journey as a VAR has been impressive, working in Major League Soccer (MLS) and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) before obtaining her FIFA certification in 2022. She even served as a video assistant referee at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India, including the championship game. Chenard‘s dedication and passion for the sport have not wavered.

The Role of a Video Assistant Referee

As a video assistant referee, Chenard‘s role is to assist the on-field referees by reviewing key incidents in the game. She has access to multiple camera angles and screens, allowing her to analyze plays and provide recommendations to the referee. The goal is to minimize downtime while ensuring the correct decision is made. Chenard collaborates with an operator, who has access to all available cameras, to provide the necessary angles for review. The VAR team also includes an assistant VAR and an offside VAR, who specialize in offside decisions.

Chenard‘s Contribution and the Pressure of Being a VAR

Chenard embraces the challenge and pressure that comes with being a video assistant referee. The expectation is that the VAR gets every decision right, but Chenard acknowledges that mistakes are part of the game. Her years of experience as an on-field referee have prepared her for this role, and she hopes to support the on-field officials with her knowledge and expertise. Chenard‘s dedication to the game extends beyond her role as a VAR, as she continues to work full-time as the director in the Office of Controlled Substances at Health Canada.

A Remarkable Journey and a Supportive Team

Carol Anne Chenard‘s journey from battling cancer to returning to the FIFA Women’s World Cup is nothing short of remarkable. She has faced numerous challenges along the way but has shown resilience, determination, and a love for the sport that has propelled her forward. Chenard credits her success to the support of her colleagues and her team at Health Canada, who have been accommodating to her hectic schedule. Her story serves as an inspiration and a testament to the power of perseverance.

Conclusion

As Carol Anne Chenard takes on her role as a video assistant referee at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, she shows us that no matter the obstacles, it is possible to overcome and achieve greatness. Her triumph over cancer serves as a reminder of the resiliency of the human spirit. Chenard‘s dedication to the sport she loves and her commitment to excellence are qualities that should be celebrated. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, and she serves as an inspiring figure for athletes and individuals facing their own challenges.

Keywords: Triumph, Resilient Return, Canada, Chenard, Triumphs Over Cancer, Women’s Team