The Fiji Rugby Referees Association is celebrating an increasing number of young women stepping into officiating roles within the sport. The movement received a significant boost recently when Litara Ieremia-Alan, the reigning Miss Pacific Island, inspired these aspiring referees.
James Bolabiu, High Performance Referees Manager, emphasized that bringing together pageant finalists with nominees for the referees awards was a strategic effort to motivate female officials in their early career stages. He noted, “There’s lots of young female referees that started to join our referee association, and therefore, to have a public figure who has achieved a lot in the Pacific… we are all looking forward to hear from her, what it takes to achieve something great.”
The encouragement and insights from the contestants are expected to be immensely beneficial as Fiji strives to enhance the pool of female referees. Bolabiu expressed optimism that the female referees would take valuable advice from this engagement, encouraging them to continue on their journeys and reach their highest potential.
The Fiji Rugby Referees Association Awards, set for December 20, will celebrate officials across all levels, from grassroots to high performance, highlighting the contributions and progress in officiating within the sport. This initiative not only recognizes the dedication of referees but also fosters a supportive environment for the next generation of women in rugby officiating, paving the way for more representation and success in the future.
Leave a comment