In an historic moment for Samoa’s touch rugby scene, the country has welcomed its first female referees and coaches, marking a significant step towards gender inclusivity in the sport.
This paradigm shift has been made possible by the ADF Pacific Sports training program being held from March 18 to 23 in Samoa.
The program includes level one and two accreditations in coaching and refereeing, plus sports trainer, first aid, and strength and conditioning.
Among the seven pioneering women leading this charge is Fefiloi Renate Kerstin, from Siusega.
Ms Kerstin, a passionate touch football enthusiast and President of Meitaki Touch Rugby Club, said she would have loved to bring her whole club to the training as it’s been so valuable.
“It’s been an interesting week. I have learnt a lot about touch, and can’t wait to go back and share it with my club,” she said.
“I have taken some video of the demonstrations and learning so I can show my club when I go back.
“I joined touch in 2018 and this has been the first time I have had any theoretical instruction on the game.
“Being able to learn from Australians and have them share their knowledge has been great. We have potential, we have people who can help, but we often lack facilities, funding and knowledge, so having the course delivered free of charge is wonderful.”
Ms Kerstin, who joined 35 others from around Samoa for the course, said she was initially approached by a friend who encouraged her to play but didn’t know what touch was.
“I wasn’t sure what it was and thought, but I’m a girl,” she said.
‘Being able to learn from Australians and have them share their knowledge has been great. We have potential, we have people who can help, but we often lack facilities, funding and knowledge, so having the course delivered free of charge is wonderful.’
Ms Kerstin has shattered stereotypes to pursue her passion for coaching and refereeing, but has also had fun along the way.
“It’s been a lot of fun, the community is fun and it’s a good sport to start off with if you are not strong enough or fit enough for rugby.”
With seven years under her belt, Ms Kerstin is now one of the more experienced touch rugby players in Samoa and is investing her efforts in teaching others how to play the game.
“I have learnt so much from being involved with the sport, including management and leadership, and now my focus isn’t on playing, but teaching and helping others who are new to the sport.”
Flight Lieutenant Ethan Phipps, one of the trainers for the program, said it was awesome to be part of training the first seven female coaches and referees in Samoa.
“They are really engaged in the delivery, asked some great questions and shared their own experiences which is really valuable,” he said.
“They are really excited to share their knowledge and are passionate about growing touch in Samoa.”
Flight Lieutenant Phipps said it showed that sport really was for everyone.
“It sends a powerful message that touch isn’t just a boys sport; anyone at any age or gender can have a go,” he said.
When reflecting on his experience working with the Samoans, Flight Lieutenant Phipps said they are similar to Australians when it comes to their love of sport.
“Their love for learning and sport is what brings us together,” he said.
‘It sends a powerful message that touch isn’t just a boys sport; anyone at any age or gender can have a go.’
Flight Lieutenant Phipps, along with the rest of the Australian touch football contingent, will put on a referee shirt and whistle this Saturday, March 23 at Samoa’s Premier League event ‘Touch the Crowns’.
“We are looking forward to being able to referee one of their games. It allows us to say thank you for an amazing week,” he said.
The initiative is part of the Australian Government’s Pacific Step-up program, which aims to strengthen and foster relationships and build sport capacity within the Pacific.
As part of the delivery of the program the ADF partnered with the National Rugby League, Federation International Basketball Association, International Federation of Touch Football and Sports Medicine Australia.
