The week long course kicked off on 22 June at the Cook Islands Football Association Matavera Complex with 23 referees attending to improve their education and the quality of refereeing in the Cook Islands.
As the course got underway Hester encouraged all the participants to continue to build their knowledge of the Laws of the Game and improving their skills through regular practice and fitness.
“I want to be exhausted when I leave here from all of your questions, presentations and participation,” Hester told participants.
With the decision making processes of match officials constantly under the spotlight around the world, no matter what the level or the competition, the application of the Laws of the Game is incredibly important.
Hester says this is why FIFA has emphasised the need for referees around the globe to be provided with the same information and training.
“This course is replicated the world over by FIFA,” he explains.
“The information shared during this week is the same as that which was given to the referees at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand or the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada. It is FIFA’s goal that the refereeing be the same no matter the country or level of competition.”
Providing assistance were CIFA development officer Lai Gukisuva and CIFA referee instructors Maara Kaukura, Mike Mouauri and Robert Savage.
Over the course of the five days the participants were taken through technical sessions, communication, practical sessions on injury prevention, testing on the Laws of the Game, match analysis and FIFA 11+ fitness testing.
“The aim of the course is to give tools for referees to prepare and communicate with a uniformity in respect to the Laws of the Game,” says Gukisuva.
“This is a great opportunity for our referees to learn and update their knowledge on the Laws of the Game. It’s not easy to be a referee and we thank our participants for their willingness to come our and be part of theis course.”
For more on Cook Islands football visit www.cookislandsfootball.com

Share