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Tonga FA referees

Referee Development in Tonga is building on previous success to create a programme to take even more Tonga FA officials to the peak of discipline.

Assistant referee, Tevita Makasini in action. Photo Credit: FIFA via Getty Images

Following the appointment of Mr. Tevita Makasini to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, and Miss Lata Tuifutuna to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago, Mr Folio Moaki has become the lastest Tongan assistant referee to officiate at a FIFA tournament.

These successes have proven that Tongan match officials have the ability and determination to make it to the highest level, and the Referee Development department is here not only to assist in growing the number of referees but to maintain the high standard we have set for ourselves.

Our programme has been designed to enhance the skill level and aptitude of Tongan match officials, to maintain a high standard of fitness, and to ensure the same overall understanding and application of the Laws of the Game.

The professionally-run programme combines practical and theoretical learning, and is designed to lead all participants towards a Tonga FA accreditation, the first step in the OFC Referee Development Pathway.

A large majority of participants take part in the High Performance Unit Programme with practical trainings and assessments. Tonga FA Referee Technical Instructors and Inspectors are responsible for assessing whether an official has met the requirements for accreditation at each level of the programme.

Ultimately, the Referee Department is responsible for referee education at all levels, and aims to develop a group of skilled officials who will improve the quality, availability, leadership and status of football officials in Tonga first and foremost, before continuing their careers at regional and international level at OFC and/or FIFA tournaments.

It is important to remember: “If there are no officials then no matches can take place”.

We believe in Oceania

OFC’s FIFA Referee Instructor, Tevita Vea heads the association’s dynamic refereeing team and is assisted by Referee Development Officer Koliniasi Vakatapu and Fitness Trainer Siuta Tavake.