The Fiji Rugby Referees Association is poised to honor its match officials in a landmark celebration with its inaugural Awards Ceremony on Saturday, December 20, at the Vodafone Arena in Suva. This noteworthy event will acknowledge outstanding achievement across 12 categories, including the coveted titles for the best male and female referees of the year.
During a recent press conference at the Fiji Rugby Union’s office, Talimo Waqa, chairman of the Fiji Rugby Referees Association, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Fiji Rugby Union for their support of the ceremony. He highlighted the importance of the referee community, consisting of 23 associations throughout Fiji, and voiced optimism that the awards would stimulate interest in recruiting more referees.
Waqa noted, “Our current numbers aren’t enough, and we continue to seek out new referees as we aim to elevate our standards.” His vision is that recognizing achievements through this ceremony will inspire individuals to join the profession and enhance their skills for upcoming competitions.
In tandem with the Fiji Sports Council, a major sponsor for the event, Waqa acknowledged the role of acting chief executive Gilbert Vakalalabure and operations manager Litia Senibulu in facilitating this initiative. Vakalalabure remarked that the ceremony is in line with their objectives to promote sports development in Fiji and reaffirmed their dedication to supporting referees.
As the organizing committee ramps up preparations, efforts are being made to attract additional sponsors to enrich the event. The first corporate supporter, Movements International Fiji, has already pledged its commitment, with finance and human resources director Latika Devi participating in the conference.
This awards ceremony marks a significant advancement for rugby in Fiji, emphasizing the essential role referees play in ensuring the integrity and fairness of the sport. By cultivating a culture of appreciation for these officials, the event aims to enhance the standards of officiating. This initiative also aligns with recent movements across various sports disciplines in Fiji, focusing on recognizing officials and promoting wider participation, especially among women in refereeing.
Ultimately, the establishment of this ceremony does more than honor past contributions; it paves the way for a promising future in rugby officiating in Fiji, motivating upcoming generations to engage with the sport and strive for excellence.