The Fiji Football Association needs more referees, says Hari Raj Naicker.
The Fiji Referees Association development officer made the comment after the FIFA Member Association Refereeing Course in Suva yesterday,
“I think this course was a very successful one for all of us after the two very intensive days and a very important learning process,” Naicker said.
“These referees should now go back and practice what has been taught to them and share what they have learnt in order to grow and attract other referees.
“Our big problem right now is that there are not enough referees; the number of games and the tournaments in the country has increased.
“What I am trying to do now is to appeal to both the retired players, school teachers and even senior students from high school to come forward and take up referees.
“It doesn’t cost them much; we are willing to train them, whether it is in Rakiraki, Tailevu or anywhere around the country and even for the ladies as well.”
Naicker has stressed the benefits of refereeing but at the same time said that it was the most important job when it comes to any sport.
“There is a lot of prospect for people to become referees and then end up as FIFA referees and go around the world, with a good pay from FIFA,” he said.
“I know referees are not perfect, they are human beings and they are bound to make mistakes, but we are proud that FIFA recognises the services of the referees.”
The FIFA MA Refereeing workshop was held for three days and composed of three elements; technical sessions, practical sessions and testing.