About 26 officials of the Solomon Islands Hockey Federation (SIHF) are now certificate holders of the Oceania Hockey Coach level 1.
They officially received their Certificate of Accreditation on Tuesday from the president of SIHF Nihal Seneviratne yesterday at the SIM sports grounds.
Nihal said the recipients’ final received their Certificates after successfully completed a one week workshop conducted by the Oceania Hockey Federation in Honiara, November 2015.
“This is the first time for local Solomon Islanders to be issued with such certificates and as president of SIHF I am really proud of their achievement,’’ Seneviratne told Star Sports in an interview yesterday.
SIHF Development Officer Joseph Iniga also echoed similar sentiments.
“Today (yesterday) mark a very important milestone in development of Hockey in Solomon Islands.
He also urged those who received their certificates yesterday to form a Referee Association to work with Hockey Federation.
“Referees need a keen eye for spotting penalties and good judgment in calling them,’’ he said.
“Since field hockey is a fast paced sport, referees also need to be physical fit, knowledgeable in rules, and able to clearly communicate.
Star Sports understands Hockey has been revived after the recent Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea.
By CROFTON UTUKANA
