BY ROMULUS HUTA
A basic referees’ course is underway following its official opening in Honiara yesterday afternoon.
The one week workshop is being organized by the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) Referees department and is held at the SIFF Academy conference room.
More than 50 participants are taking part.
The course was intended for aspiring referees in Honiara, according to SIFF Referee Development Officer Justin Mutukera.
The brief opening ceremony yesterday was graced by the presence of Honiara Football Association (HFA) President Baddley Alaha.
Alaha was pleased to see many young people both male and female taking up the course.
“I am so happy to see young people both male and female have shown interest in taking up this basic refereeing course.
“Referees are very important just like players because without referees there will be no football match.
“I hope most of you will become top refs in the future because we need more refs as we move forward in our football development aspirations.
“Our past and current refs have taken us to the World Cup and I want to encourage all of you to one day follow their footsteps.
“I want to officially open the HFA basic refereeing course and wish you all the best during the week long programme,” Alaha said.
Speaking on behalf of the SIFF Technical department during the opening was Youth Development officer, Henry Fa’arodo.
“It’s an honour to welcome you to this very informative training on behalf of the technical team.
“Remember referees have very important role in football so I want to encourage all of you to make the most of this opportunity.
“Refs are part of the technical department and I would like to wish you all the best as you undertake the basic refereeing course.
“Please don’t stop here but have the passion to learn more about the laws of the game,” Fa’arodo said.
The workshop will conclude at the end of the week.
