The Australian Defence Force is currently conducting a five days officials training program in Fiji which commenced today on 22 November 2022. The ADF have partnered with the National Rugby League, Netball Australian, Australian Football League, Federation of International and Sports Medicine Australia to deliver comprehensive sports officials programs for the respective codes over the week.
The program includes accredited training for match officials and support staff including, coaches, referees, sports trainers and strength and conditioning training for players. The training program focus on the fundamental of sport and healthy lifestyles. Each training package provides practical and theoretical aspects of skills development in officiating and support roles as well as game strategies, nutrition, lifestyle advice and game day preparation for players. Netball Fiji umpires, coaches, and development officers are part of the five days training programme.
The program is the sixth in a series of program’s being run in the Pacific following on from a highly successful virtual camps in PNG, Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu over the past two years which have accredited approximately 960 officials in the Pacific. The week of activities will confirm lessons learnt from the Level 1 virtual training program and take participants to the next level of their development.
Training will be conducted out of Albert Park and Vodafone Arena Suva and represents a key contribution to Defence’s enhanced regional engagement activities through sport in the Pacific region.
The training program will provide a capacity building opportunity for Fiji as presently the local competitions are encountering difficulty in attracting players and ex-players into sporting officials’ roles. The program will consolidate lessons learnt from recent virtual training activities that have already had significant influence in the region. The inclusion of four key sporting codes in Fiji and working with DFAT Pacific Sports Partners reinforces a Whole of Government approach to sport in the Pacific.
ADF Rugby League Pacific Programs Representative Group Captain Jay Clarke highlighted the benefits of the event.
“The programs provide strong engagement through the facilitated training programs and builds capacity in officiating and support roles which is in high demand in the Pacific”.
“The training program provides an opportunity to demonstrate the enduring partnership with Fiji, and reinforce our shared values, culture and history through sport,”
The programs are being delivered by ADF in partnership with local and international sporting governing bodies and supported by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces ensuring experts from each code are providing the best training available for the participants..
