SECURITY and officiating have been key priorities for organisers of the Fiji Primary Schools Netball tournament in Labasa.
Fiji Primary Schools Netball president Sisilia Cokanauto said measures were in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants.
“We have approached the Fiji Police, and they will be moving around the billeting areas,” she said.
Ms Cokanauto said police officers were conducting regular checks in the evenings to monitor the welfare of players and ensure all teams are accounted for.
“They will be checking on every team after each day to make sure the girls are safe.”
She said visitors to billeting venues must follow strict protocols, with students and teams already briefed on appropriate conduct.
“Protocols are in place, especially for those staying in villages, and teachers are overseeing everything.”
In addition to security, organisers have also focused on improving the standard of officiating at the tournament.
For the first time, all participating districts were required to submit accredited umpires, a move aimed at enhancing the quality and consistency of matches.
:In the past, this wasn’t really happening, but this year we requested all districts to provide umpires who are accredited.”
The initiative has been welcomed as a step towards raising the overall standard of the competition.
With structured officiating and increased security presence, organisers are confident the tournament will provide a safe and professionally managed environment for young athletes.
She said the improvements reflect a growing commitment to developing netball at grassroots level across Fiji.
