Thirty-five referees from all over Solomon Islands participated in the course which was led by the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Referee Development Officer Massimo Raveino.
Massimo’s team also included FIFA Referee Instructor Neil Poloso and FIFA Fitness Instructor Kader Touati who were assisted by a team of 6 local instructors.
Over the course of one week of intensive practical and theoretical sessions the participants underwent training on the Laws of the Game and its interpretations.
The training also covered practical sessions where the referees tested their classroom knowledge in simulated match conditions at the SIFF Academy football field.
The course also drew great interest from the public who lined the SIFF Academy in the afternoons to watch the practical sessions.
Jovita Qilamasala, who is the first woman in Solomon Islands to receive a FIFA Assistant Referee’s badge, said that the course is very advanced and refreshing.
Diane Justus who attended the course to assist her work with the development of women’s soccer in Solomon Islands said that the course certainly sets a bar for local referees and referee assessors.
“From this course we can see the standard that is expected and I hope that it will be what is implemented in local tournaments and competitions,” Ms. Justus commented.
Making his remarks at the closing ceremony the Solomon Islands Football Federation President Martin Alufurai thanked the FIFA RAP team for its work during the week.
“I thank FIFA and OFC and the members of the team who have worked hard during this week to train our referees,” said Alufurai.
Alufurai also commended the referees for participating in the course saying that it will help raise the quality of refereeing in the country.
Raveino thanked SIFF for its work with the preparations and execution of the course. Massimo also spoke highly of the Solomon Islands referees that were appointed to officiate in the O-League matches.
In his final note to the course participants, urged them to support the development of youth and women’s football.
“When you are required to officiate in a youth or women’s tournament you must go,” Raveino said in his challenge to the referees.
Courtesy of SIFF Media