The Federation Tahitienne de Football’s technical centre was awash with referees in early August as they gathered to learn more about the latest changes to the Laws of the Game from FIFA Instructor Lim Kee Chong.
The former international referee guided 25 participants from across French Polynesia firstly through refereeing, and then through the nuances of being a successful referee instructor.
The course saw 14 new referee instructors expand their knowledge of teaching methodologies and the use of video analysis among other things, giving them the required skills to assist referees associated with domestic leagues and clubs gain their refereeing badges.
It is the third year in a row that FTF has focused not just on Tahiti, but its outer islands too with referees from Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, Bora Bora, Raiatea and Moorea also benefiting.
The course linked in nicely with the national team’s preparations for the OFC U-20 Championship as the match officials were able to immediately put in practice what they had learned during the side’s practice matches.
In addition, it was an opportunity for two young females to gain a little extra knowledge to aid their journey.
Tekurarere Kahaia and Regina Teua are 17 and 18 years old respectively, and alongside Rani Perry have their sights firmly targeted on FIFA Referee status by 2020.