They may not score goals or make the big headlines, but OFC’s referees train just as hard as the athletes they oversee.
OFC’s match officials are the engine rooms for tournaments across the Pacific. In some of the toughest conditions in the world, they are constantly put to the test.
“Our match officials at OFC are covering somewhere between 8-11 kilometres in a match,” said OFC’s High-Performance coach Alejo Perez Leguizamon.
“Games are demanding, match officials are doing a significant amount of running on the pitch. There’s a range of distances our match officials can cover, but equally important is the distances run at high speeds.”
OFC work with 136 match officials for tournaments, who are split into three tiers: OFC Academy, OFC Badge and FIFA officials. Up to 22 officials are sent to a tournament, supported by two referee assessors, one fitness instructor, one physiotherapist and one IT/match analyst.
Before becoming an OFC official, referees must meet high fitness standards and actively participate in their local competitions. Leading up to tournaments, they are expected to maintain that standard of fitness.
During tournaments, trainings are tailored around match schedules. Longer breaks between games mean longer training sessions, while lighter sessions are held closer to match days to allow for recovery.
Nutrition also plays a key role in the referees’ routine during tournaments.
With years of experience officiating at the highest level, FIFA Referee Anna Marie Keighley understands the preparation required.
“There’s a lot of training building in to tournaments, so you got to do the groundwork before you get here to withstand the conditions like the heat and humidity.
“When you’re in tournaments you’re trying to prepare, hydrate as much as possible, get as much rest and recovery after training sessions. We’re out there in the heat and humidity so we have to be ready for that.”
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While fitness is a critical factor for officials, OFC’s match officials face another major hurdle: balancing their training with full time jobs.
“The number one challenge is not having a professional environment,” OFC Head of Referees Kevin Stoltenkamp said.
“Most of them work full-time, so it’s about finding time to follow a training program and making it fit in their daily lives. They make a lot of sacrifices.”
To stay on track, officials train in small groups with fitness instructors in their local federations. On top of that, they’re expected to train individually at least three to four times weekly, the minimum standard set by OFC.
“It keeps them prepared, but it also keeps morale high,” Stoltenkamp adds.
“They become role models in their communities, inspiring others to aim for OFC tournaments – and eventually, FIFA. It’s about building good habits so that training becomes second nature. That way, when the call comes, they’re ready.”