Players lack of knowledge in rugby rules is a challenge that local referees continue to face. 

This is according to Samoa Rugby Union (SRU) match official, Leilua Toni Tipama’a, in a recent interview with the Samoa Observer.

He said these challenges came to the forefront during the recent regional schools’ sevens tournament. 

“At the moment SRU is assisting the regional schools’ sevens tournament 2019 and a difficulty faced by our referees is players not having knowledge of the rules of the game. 

“A referee plays a very key role in all the games and yet most people don’t appreciate that instead they are ridiculed. A referee is always blamed after any game based on spectators and everyone else’s opinions,” Leilua said.

When the people understand the rules and how the game is played, he added, they would then appreciate the work of the referees.

Leuilua said working together with various coaches is important.

“It is important that we must work together with coaches of various schools because they are the ones looking after players and teaching them how to play by the rules.

“All we need is to ensure that our players perform well instead of being misguided on the field.

“At the moment there are not enough referees in Samoa hence why we encourage every one of they are not able to play rugby they can officiate or become referees,” he added.

Leuilua said they are working with communities in recruiting referees.

“We are trying to reach out to communities in promoting that we need committed and passionate people to become professional referees.

“People should be keen and committed if they wish to pursue being a referee.

“We also want to inspire women to take up refereeing because it is not a profession for men only; there is not many female referees in Samoa.”