Futsal refereeing in Oceania took another step forward as match officials from across the region and Australia came together in New Zealand for a week of learning, development and innovation.
The FIFA Member Association Futsal Refereeing Course hosted by New Zealand Football, brought together 20 match officials and three Technical Instructors from New Zealand, Fiji, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia and Australia. It was the first time an MA course as such brought together participants from around the region.
The course combined classroom learning with practical sessions to develop their skills and share experiences. A major focus of the week was the introduction of Futsal Video Support (VS) which landed on Oceania shores for the very first time.
FIFA Futsal Technical Instructor Anthony Riley said its introduction was an exciting moment for the region.
“One of the key topics of the course was to educate in the area of Futsal Video Support for the first time, which the participants picked up really well.” he said. “For me this experience was exciting and innovative, especially having, for the first time, an MA course with participants from several different MAs together.”
Local futsal players organised by Mainland Football supported the sessions, allowing officials to test their classroom learnings during matches. The development continued at the New Zealand Tertiary Futsal Championships, where the officials used Futsal Video Support technology for the first time in Oceania.
Riley said the opportunity was particularly valuable during a year without an OFC futsal competition.
“Having the opportunity to bring a group of 20 match officials and three Technical Instructors together in this type of environment is vital to the development of futsal refereeing in our region.
“During a calendar year where there was no Futsal competitions scheduled in OFC, this chance to continue the learning in the classroom, training and match environments is crucial to building the camaraderie between the officials and improving performances,” he said.
He said maintaining those connections would be important beyond the course, with officials continuing to share match incidents online for review and discussion.
The next phase will also focus on creating opportunities for officials to officiate outside their home associations, helping prepare them for future regional competitions. Riley said the initiative would have a lasting impact on futsal refereeing across Oceania.
“Thank you to New Zealand Football and OFC for the support of this initiative, which will go a long way to improving the level of officiating within futsal and improving the game for everyone.”