The Cook Islands Touch Association is hoping to lift the standards of refereeing through a workshop being conducted for referees by top Touch New Zealand Touch referees coach Adrian Purnell.

Over the last two days the Cook Islands Touch referees have been busy with their practical sessions and have gained much knowledge and understanding of the 5^th Edition Touch Rules.

The whistle blowing techniques brought about much laughter amongst the team as the newbies practiced the technique.

For some of the referees the course is a refresher and for others it is to gain their Level 1 qualifications.

Cook Islands Touch Association vice president Daphne Brown said: “Through communications with the Federation of International Touch and Touch New Zealand we were very fortunate to secure and have Adrian come to Rarotonga with his wealth of knowledge and experience as a referee coach, referee, coach and player.”

“This referees workshop was made possible through the support of CISNOC. Cook Islands Touch also acknowledges the generous sponsorship of The Edgewater Resort for his room and Island Car and Bike hire for his vehicle.”

At the conclusion of the three-day programme, 10 referees will have gained their qualifications and helped improve their referee knowledge of the game.

“The workshop is timely as it comes while the national under 18 and Open squads are in training for the Asia Pacific Youth Cup and also the Pacific Games to be held later this year,” Brown said.

“Cook Islands Touch intends to continue the course for the Pa Enua and hopes that more players and anyone interested in being a touch referee will take advantage of the course over the year and be qualified to officiate locally but also at regional and international games in the future.”