The courses each took place over five days and were conducted by referee development officer Massimo Raveino (Tahiti), instructor Neil Poloso (Solomon Islands) and fitness trainer Kader Touati (France), who together are responsible for the running of the RAP across Oceania.
“The objective of these courses is to consolidate and improve the performance of the referees and assistant referees,” Raveino explains.
“We are working on improving the referees’ techniques and their knowledge on the FIFA Laws of the Game. The management of the game and players by the referees is very important these days.”
The participants were also given the opportunity to work with fitness instructor Touati and had to take part in a fitness test covering both speed and endurance.
OFC places high importance on developing world-class match officials and in 2008 referee development in the Pacific received a huge boost thanks to the introduction of the RAP. The programme has two objectives – to prepare referees for international competitions, particularly the various FIFA World Cups, and to develop referees in each of OFC’s 11 member associations through scouting and education.
The RAP team has established a structure that aims to improve the quality and quantity of referee education. This has resulted in several new courses, organised for both men and women, being held throughout Oceania featuring the latest teaching resources and up-to-date equipment. OFC’s technical department works closely with the RAP team to organise the education programme.
Proof that the initiatives are working can be seen in the increased level of representation for Oceania at international tournaments.
The most recent example of this is the OFC match official trio of New Zealand referee Peter O’Leary and assistant referees Ravinesh Kumar (Fiji) and Jackson Namo (Solomon Islands), who are currently in Colombia taking part in the FIFA U-20 World Cup.