Training program for referees
THE Touch Federation Fiji (TFF) conducted a four-day training program for referees at the Albert Park in Suva yesterday.
TFF president Tevita Mau mentioned the fourday program started off on Monday in partnership with the Australian Defence Force to assist in capacity building for referees in the sport.
“I just want to thank the Australian Defence Force and the Australian government for their support and continuous generosity,” Mau said.
Mau said at the moment TFF was preparing for the 2023 Pacific Games that was to be held in the Solomon Islands.
“So this is basically a capacity building program that we have for those who are interested in refereeing.”
Mau said though Touch Rugby was not a major sport in Fiji, he believed there was a lot of potential in the game but it needed more recognition.
“Though it is not like that country’s national sport, it can be something all Fijians can participate in like a family-based game.”
Representatives from the Federation of International Touch were also present at the training program and were helping conduct the training courses.
“The program will serve as a foundation for introductory level for refereeing course.”
Participants included a number of trainees travelling from the Western Division who will be residing at the Grand Pacific Hotel until after the training.
“Today (yesterday) they’re learning the rules of the game and how to correctly position themselves during the game. This also includes learning to do inter-changes with other referees, whistles and signal giving.”
He said training programs such as these were conducted to include more youths into different sports and was mainly family based.