Twenty-two aspiring referees, including three females, are participating in a three-day Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) OFC Basic Futsal Referees Course at the Fiji FA Academy in Vatuwaqa. The course, aimed at developing the next generation of futsal match officials, is conducted by experienced instructor Jainud Dean which started yesterday and will conclude on Sunday.
Dean expressed his satisfaction with the enthusiasm displayed by the participants.
“It’s great to see the passion and commitment of these aspiring referees. This course is designed to equip them with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to officiate futsal matches at various levels,” said Dean.
“The training covers essential areas such as the Laws of the Game, positioning, decision-making, and match management. Practical sessions allow participants to apply their learning in real-game scenarios to better understand the dynamics of futsal officiating.”
Fiji FA Referees Director Avinesh Narayan highlighted the significance of the program in strengthening futsal refereeing standards in the country.
“This course is a stepping stone for aspiring referees who wish to officiate at national and regional levels. With futsal’s increasing popularity, we need well-trained officials to ensure the game is played fairly and at a high standard,” said Narayan.
One of the female participants, Emily Tikoisuva, shared her excitement about joining the program.
“I’ve always been passionate about futsal, and this course has given me the confidence to take up refereeing. It’s great to see more women getting involved in this aspect of the game,” she said.
The course will conclude with a written examination and practical assessments. Successful participants will be officially certified as futsal referees under Fiji FA and OFC regulations, paving the way for them to officiate in domestic and regional competitions.
Fiji FA continues to invest in referee development programs to enhance the overall standard of officiating in futsal and football across the country.
