Editor’s Note: This article was received in February but paucity of space had placed it in a long queue. We apologise for the delay but hope that the author’s concerns would be considered in the spirit with which they have been raised.
Congratulations to the New Zealand Fiji Veterans Soccer Association officials for a successful soccer tournament held during the Auckland Anniversary weekend.
The Veterans Tournament has kept alive the names of former Fiji soccer legends Sashi Mahendra Singh and his son Billy Singh.
All four teams in both the finals displayed entertaining soccer, which was fast-paced and of reasonably high standard.
Poor referees
However, the standard of refereeing in the finals did not do the sport any justice or in any way reflect the objective of the Tournament.
The messages in the souvenir magazine echoed a common theme for the five-day event, which was “reunion of former soccer greats from Fiji and their friends and relatives.”
The extract stated, “Although sports is all about winning, I hope the Veterans Tournament this year will be played in the spirit with which it was created, going beyond just winning.”
New Zealand Fiji Veteran Soccer Association officials need to understand that ‘a wishbone has never taken the place of a backbone.’
Due to a number of casualties in the over 40s final, the officials failed in one area of their responsibilities, which was briefing the referees to emphasise at the beginning of each match that unnecessary foul or rough play would not be tolerated.
Referees have the sole control of the game in minimising soccer fouls for the protection of players and for ensuring fair play. Officials have the responsibility to ensure that referees are aware of the intent of the soccer tournament and to prevent injuries among players, or minimise the injuries.
The referees demonstrated different standards in controlling the various matches; for instance, an under 20 player was issued a yellow card warning for removing his shirt while celebrating his goal.
Although this action is not permitted, it was not half as serious as some of the foul play that was overlooked in the over 40s final.
Players participating in over 40s Tournament are very skilful and fit, and are often ex- Fiji or a premier district representatives.
Delayed medicals
It is highly unlikely that these players would jump up in mid air and miss heading the ball, which then raises the question whether a head butt was intentional.
There were other players, who also suffered injuries because match officials were unable to keep up with the pace of the game.
The time it took for the official medic to attend to a player who suffered facial injuries following collision with an opponent was unacceptable. A medic should be available when required and officials should not have to go looking for him.
The Editor in the souvenir magazine wrote, “To improve further, any positive criticism will be greatly appreciated and will assist in strategic planning.”
The purpose of this article is to offer suggestions for improvement and ensure better partnership between match officials and organisers.
Safety issues
To retain mature players at future tournaments, the organisers must address the safety of all players and meet with the match officials to emphasise this aspect and have better control of all matches.
Many mature players are in their late 40s and some are self-employed.
Injuries due to poor control at such tournaments will discourage senior participants and affect the welfare of the player and his families.
It is also a known fact that recovery from sports injuries in mature adults takes longer compared to young athletes.
The organisers could have commenced the over 40s final at 3 pm instead of facilitating a Kabaddi match, which majority of the spectators did not understand or appreciate.
Both the over 40s teams had played at 9 am and 10 am, which meant that they had ample rest by 3 pm. The organisers did not perhaps anticipate that both finals would end in penalty shootouts.
Arveen Sharma is the founding member of Auckland Ba (established in 1981) and played soccer for Miramar Rangers and Seatoun clubs in Wellington in the 1980s. He is now Communication and Public Relations Officer of the Australia Fiji Soccer Association based in Canberra
