It was no surprise to see two keen female referees standing out from their male counterparts to blow the whistle in the field.
Susan Tamati and Margaret Ufa were part of the Southern Region referees who were knighted with new uniforms by the PNG Rugby Football League.
With the aim of developing rugby league in the country, the PNGRFL accredited all referees to international certified standard.
It’s not all the time you see women in boots, wielding a whistle in the center of the field, but it is becoming more of a common sight as more women are actively participating and taking up game officials’ roles.
The duo, Susan Tamati and Margaret Ufa, were part of three female referees who were from the Koiari Rugby League, affiliated under the banner of the Southern Region to PNGRFL.
They were amongst their menfolk at the PNGRFL presentation of a new set of uniforms to Southern Region referees.
Both beginners, they said they appreciate the good camaraderie with the men, motivating them to pursue their refereeing career.
The uniforms are numbered in accordance with the referees’ PNGRFL registration number which will become a refereeing code for PNGRFL sanctioned games.
They are now looked after by the PNGRFL Refereeing Board.
The PNGRFL development programs involve mass participation from an early stage to the elite team level. In order for its success, proper coordination and workshops, beginning with refereeing refreshing courses, will soon eventuate, kicking off in the Southern Region, the first stop being Western province.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=aJ4IvhqBHec%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
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