Touch Federation Fiji update

Touch Federation Fiji collaborates with FIT during pandemic

Like all the other nations from the world of Touch, Fiji has been affected by COVID-19 pandemic, according to Tevita Mau, President of the Touch Federation Fiji (TFF).

“We have engaged with some of our critical stakeholders during the COVID 19 period, including our two affiliates Suva and Nadi,” he said.

“We had meetings with them about ongoing consultation with Fiji National Sports Commission and Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the process we were required to undertake in preparing safe sports protocols and the submission of documents before we were given the green light to re-engage.”

The support of the sport’s peak body

Tevita Mau also acknowledged the work of the global peak body for Touch, the Federation of International Touch (FIT) in engaging with TFF’s affiliates to foster collaboration continually.  Mau recognised the work of FIT Secretary General, Bill Ker, Director of Development, Peter Topp, and the Referees Commissioner, Ian Matthew.

“Fiji like most of the affiliates has been capitalising on the opportunities offered by FIT,” Mau said.

“Our intention is to support our Pacific NTAs to become self-sufficient with referee support aligned to their long term goals to see referees from the Pacific participate at Touch World Cup campaigns,” added Matthew, as the Head of the Referees Commission.

More referees thanks to online training

TFF has just completed three introductory FIT Referees accreditation courses with Ian Matthews in September to October.  Conducted via Zoom, the three sessions were a mix of theory and practical application.

“We’re very grateful for the assistance rendered by the Fiji National Sports Commission (FNSC), and a special mention for the work done by Saula Koroi of the FNSC in facilitating the workshop and providing the catering for the workshop attendees and providing subsistence for their fares. Over two months, TFF accredited a total of 90 referees.

“It has really been a pleasure offering this online training, and the enthusiasm among the Pacific nations is inspiring. Being able to do this in the Pacific Islands has provided a lot more engagement among the referee fraternity and I’m sure our friendships will grow stronger from this,” concluded Matthew.

Words by Anthony O’Brien, Federation of International Touch (FIT)