Joeli Qio’s long-standing dedication to rugby officiating was celebrated recently as he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Fiji Rugby Referees Awards held last Saturday. With 19 years of experience in the field, Qio, who is currently the president of the Lautoka Rugby Referees Association, expressed his surprise and gratitude upon receiving the honor. When his name was announced by Geoffrey Smith, the director of external affairs and community engagement for FIJI Water, Qio found himself momentarily speechless.
“I didn’t believe that this award would be meant for me, but actually, I dedicate the awards to my fellow members,” he stated. Qio began his refereeing journey in 2006 and recognized the need for improvements in the standards of officiating at that time. He observed that the referees were often older and not meeting the expectations set by players, which motivated him to transition from being a player to an official.
As he looks forward to marking two decades in the profession next year, Qio reflects on the rewarding aspects of his career, particularly the opportunity to mentor aspiring referees. He proudly mentioned his role in guiding international referee Lavenia Racaca, who showcased her skills at prominent events such as the HSBC SVNS series and last year’s Olympic Games in France. “Even though I never reached there, I did something for someone to reach that level,” he remarked.
In addition to supporting Racaca, Qio has committed himself to training young referees within his association, focusing on essential skills such as fitness, game knowledge, positioning, and maintaining running lines as they execute their roles on the field. Qio’s passion for excellence in rugby officiating not only enhances the sport but also inspires the next generation of referees, leaving a lasting impact on the rugby community in Fiji.
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