OFC Women’s Pre-Elite Course Equips Aspiring Referees

The OFC Women’s Pre-Elite Course recently united 12 promising women referees, fostering their journey to elite status within the next three years. Held over four intensive days, the program featured fitness assessments, physical training, and workshops tailored to the demands of high-level officiating.

“I learned a lot about preparation, ways to manage muscle cramps, and how to build strength to meet the physical challenges of refereeing,” shared Madlen Ruben, a match official from  Vanuatu.

Technical and Tactical Training

The course included a robust technical curriculum addressing updates to the game’s laws, decision-making, and the introduction of VAR technology, which OFC plans to integrate into future competitions. The referees benefited from sessions on safeguarding, stress management, and other critical performance elements.

OFC’s High-Performance Coach, Alejo Perez Leguizamon, praised the referees’ dedication:

“The participants were energetic and proactive, engaging deeply with the instructors and coaches despite the demanding schedule.”

Inspiration from the Best

A highlight of the programme was the presence of Anna-Marie Keighley, a three-time FIFA Women’s World Cup™ referee. Keighley’s story of balancing motherhood and officiating resonated deeply.

“We learned about her sacrifices and her journey back to refereeing after having a baby. Her experience was incredibly inspiring,” said Jovita Ambrose, a referee from the Solomon Islands.

Developing Referee Fitness Instructors

Running parallel to the Pre-Elite Course was the Referee Fitness Instructor Course, which brought together seven participants from various Member Associations. The programme emphasized the critical role of fitness coaches in preparing referees for the physical rigors of the game.

“The pace of football is increasing yearly,” noted John Pareanga, a former Cook Islands FIFA assistant referee and new fitness instructor. “We’re focusing on sprint training to equip referees with the speed and agility required at the top level.”

Pareanga’s goal aligns with the broader ambition of OFC—to elevate its referees to the World Cup and Olympic stage. “It will take time, but the dream is within reach,” he affirmed.