The Ba Rugby Referees Association (BRRA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) this morning with a significant agenda: the adoption of its first Constitution and the election of new Committee Members. This pivotal moment signifies a critical advancement for the organization, as emphasized by BRU Secretary Gaby Kautoga, who highlighted the challenges that Ba match officials have encountered over the past year.
“This is an important day for the Ba Match Officials,” stated Kautoga, noting that the introduction of the new Constitution will provide a framework that allows the organization to operate with greater confidence and adherence to requirements from governing bodies. Previously, the BRRA operated without foundational documentation or formal bylaws, which hampered its effectiveness.
As part of the Terms of Participation for participating in competitions like the Skipper Cup and Marama Championship, the Fiji Rugby Union has mandated that all provincial member unions, including Ba, must establish a referees’ association. Kautoga further stressed the need for a more structured approach to ensure compliance. “We need to formalize many administrative areas so that everything is clear and transparent,” he said.
The Constitution from the BRU mandates that every member club must have at least one referee and a trained medic available. However, Kautoga pointed out that not all clubs consistently meet this requirement. “While we have 40 clubs, we should have at least 40 match officials in BRRA; the actual number is around 22. That needs to be addressed,” he noted. The BRU is considering various strategies to enhance compliance among registered clubs, potentially utilizing incentives or penalties.
Kautoga also acknowledged the declining attendance at training sessions for new match officials. While some individuals begin training with enthusiasm, many drop out after a few weeks. Last year, the organization introduced a revised fee structure, compensating match officials approximately $1,500 per Saturday for overseeing club games, reflecting its commitment to developing the officiating sector.
He further mentioned an initiative by the BRU to create more opportunities for match officials through the Rugby Programme at Ba Methodist, as suggested by Talema Waqa from the Fiji Rugby Union during a recent visit. This proposal could enhance the future of officiating in the area. For the time being, Kautoga emphasizes the importance of clubs taking compliance with regulations seriously.
The AGM is being held today at 11 AM at Ba Methodist High School. Clubs or match officials with inquiries can contact interim chair Kolaia Caucau at 963 7393. This meeting not only marks a new era for the BRRA but also represents a hopeful progression towards improved governance and efficacy in rugby officiating in Ba.