Netball Fiji held a two-day development workshop in Labasa last week 24-25th May. The development workshop was led be Netball Fiji Sports Development Coordinator, Anasimeci Rakavosa, alongside national umpires manager, Losalini Bainivalu, and technical officials manager, Courtney Bitu.
The Northern division netball workshop was focused on coaching, umpiring, and technical officiating, and the workshop comprised of participants from Labasa, Taveuni, Savusavu, Dogotuki, Lekutu, and Solevu.
The participants were divided to their respective fields in coaching, umpiring and technical officials. Courtney held the session for Technical Officiating, Mrs. Losalini Bainivalu for Umpiring, while Rakavosa held the coaching session. The workshop was also aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of participants, preparing them for upcoming district competition in the northern division.
The technical officiating session focused on some of the critical aspects of managing a netball game, participants were also introduced the new 2024 edition of technical officials manual and the new rules.
Technical officials manager Courtney explained that “the new manual will be delivered to all participating associations.”
Mrs. Bainivalu focused her umpiring session with a refresher course on 2024 World Netball rules edition, while updating northern umpires on new rules, including tactical changes, throw-ins, short pass checks, and changes in playing the ball terminology.
SDC Anasimeci Rakavosa engaged the coaches in a coaching clinic as they focused in all aspects of coaching, player welfare, activation and recovery.
The workshop concluded with the official opening of Labasa Netball competition, the tournament tested workshop participants on all areas and key trainings they acquired during the two-day workshop.
The tournament featured 8 women’s team, 4 mixed teams, and 2 men’s teams, providing a the perfect environment for participants to apply what they’ve learned.
The three Netball Fiji representatives also evaluated participants to identifying officials who will be officiating at the upcoming Northern Community Games from June 19th to June 21st hosted by National Sports Commission Northern Division. The Northern Community Games will bring together athletes and officials from across the three provinces of Cakaudrove, Macuata, and Bua, promoting sports development and community engagement.
Netball Fiji is looking to continue the training and development of these three key areas, technical officials, umpiring and coaching with the broader aim of increasing competitiveness in district netball while taking the game to another level, as part o FNA strategic plan.
At the end of the two-day workshop, participants received a Certificate of Participation from Netball Fiji, recognizing their commitment and the skills they gained during the sessions.
