Training to accredit local coaches, referees

By Ulimasao Fata 30 January 2018, 12:00AM

The Samoa Rugby Union (S.R.U.) hosted a one-day Coaching and Referee Clinic on Friday.

The clinic focused on Rugby 15s Level 1 Coaching and Referee courses. It targeted school coaches, club coaches and referees around Upolu.

The training aimed to educate and provide accreditation for all coaches and referees in local clubs before coaching or refereeing any game.

It was also a day for local players, coaches, and referees to work together with the medical team under the World Rugby Training and Education initiative. 

“The main thing that we are looking at here is to make sure that all the players, coaches and referees are accredited so that they can deliver the knowledge to their local clubs,” S.R.U. training educator, Ta’ala Tui Komiti said. 

Mr. Komiti and Filoi Eneliko were the training educators of the clinic, with the support of Samoa Sevens Assistant Coach, Stephen Betham, U-18 Sevens Coaches La’auli Rudy Leavasa and Rev. Onosa’i So’o.

Mr. Komiti said most people who coach local teams had not been accredited.

“A few people in the coaching club levels in Samoa have not been accredited to coach or be in charge of any team.

“So what we are trying to do right now is accredit all our local coaches who are in charge of local rugby teams.”

According to Mr. Komiti, anyone who wants to become a coach or a referee has to have a Level 1 Coaching Certificate before continuing to Levels 2 and 3.

Mr. Komiti also said their visit to Savai’i earlier last week was a success.

“A good number of young boys were interested in the referee role in Savai’i.

“We are also working together with the Tuasivi College Principal, who was a former referee for our district back in the days, and he has been helping these young boys in pursuing referee careers.

“And what makes me excited is that these are young 18 and 19-year-old boys who have showed interest.”

He said they were also looking at focusing on sports medicine. 

Rev. Onosa’i So’o, an accredited coach who now works at the Samoa Rugby Union, says these trainings played a significant role in his coaching career.

“These trainings are significant because it helps in mental preparation for the players as well as the coaches and managements.

“This will also prepare the coaches with skills, laws and policies of the game, how to handle the discipline of his players on and off the field.”

Mr. Komiti added they would continue hosting this training until all coaches are accredited.

By Ulimasao Fata 30 January 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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