Kimil RFL shifts focus to producing professional referees

The Kimil Rugby Football League [KRFL] is breaking new ground by not only producing players for the intercity competition but also setting its sights on developing professional referees.

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League-sanctioned competition hosted a one-day training clinic for referees, touch judges and team captains to enhance their understanding of the updated rugby league rules and referee protocols.

League president Michael Tee Pau said the move is aimed at improving game management and reducing on-field disputes. “Many fights break out during rugby matches because players and captains don’t know the latest rules,” he said. “It is very important to involve team captains so they can understand the rules and use them properly during captain’s challenges.”

Pau said referees are just as important as players in delivering a quality competition. “A well-structured game is delivered when referees know the rules and control the game to expectations,” he said.

Kimil RFL has invited senior Digicel Cup referees to train community officials and is encouraging young players to take up refereeing as a career path. “Our aim is to produce professional referees alongside professional players,” Tee said.