The Beyond The Goalposts program was launched today with the aim to groom the next crop of rugby league referees in the country.
The NRL designed program incorporates accreditation courses in refereeing, coaching or first aid awareness. It is being run in partnership with the PNG Rugby Football League.
The first module began today at the National Football Stadium involving over 20 students from different schools in Port Moresby plus volunteers and referees.
Speaking at the launch, Australian NRL Referee Education Provider, Paul Oliver said the program will provide more opportunities for young people to get involved in rugby league.
He said this will also allow for referees (who are already accredited) in the country to be updated on the new rules of game.
“It won’t be easy. It will take a number of years but it will improve the standard of refereeing. It will help the game grow,” said Oliver.
In-Country General Manager of NRL PNG, Mark Mom added on that referees are a very important part of rugby league and that he was very excited about the program.
“We’ve needed this for a long time. The program takes a bottom-up approach where we want to instil the right attitudes and teaching children about things like respect,” said Mom.
The Level 1 Referee course will teach the fundamentals of the referee’s involvement in the modified rugby league game, and upon completion, participants will receive NRL Level 1 accreditation.
The course is delivered in ten units, via 3 modules and a final practical course.