Already world renowned for the exploits of its players on the beach soccer pitch, Tahiti is now turning the spotlight on those who manage the game with a FIFA Beach Soccer Referee Course recently concluding in Papeete.
FIFA Instructor Lakhdar Benchabane, who ran a similar course in French Polynesia last September, had the attention of 30 participants keen to improve their knowledge and application of the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game.
All of the candidates come from clubs which are taking part in the Beach Soccer Tour 2018, which got underway on 20 June, which each team required to supply referees to officiate matches.
Aurélien Planchais, who became a FIFA Beach Soccer Referee in 2018, was also among the participants.
The course alternated between theory and practical sessions, focusing on the 17 Laws of the Games and putting them into practice not only on the course, but during two days of action in the Beach Soccer Tour.
Benchabane was pleased with the performances and application of the learnings and said in particular it had been good to see a number of new faces among the participants.
“It shows that the number of beach soccer referees here in Tahiti is growing, and that the discipline is developing,” he said.