The game of touch is thriving in the UAE but its rapid growth risks being curtailed by a lack of referees, according to two leading organisations behind the success of the sport in the region.
With the annual Zurich Corporate Touch 6s tournament set to boast a record 32 teams in 2018, and with grassroots take-up of the sport in schools reaching unprecedented levels, touch is one of the UAE’s fastest growing participation sports.
However, the number of new referees joining the game is not keeping pace with demand.
John Larkins, founder of METouch, the internationally recognised governing body for touch across the UAE, said: “Touch is still maturing across the region, with a lack of experience across all facets of the game – coaching, refereeing and playing.
“This means that those who do have the experience to referee are having to spread themselves too thinly, and it doesn’t help that people only seem to remember the referee when they make a mistake.
“More support and appreciation of refs is essential if we are to grow the existing small ‘pool’ in the UAE, which is vital for the future of touch in the Middle East.
“If we consider the huge numbers of youngsters playing touch now, we know there is a community of parents who could help and this is a target market for us.
“There also needs to be an increase in the number of senior players (under-15s and under-18s) refereeing junior games, as they do in netball.”
With the annual tournament taking place on this Friday, March 16, at Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club in Arabian Ranches, it is hoped this year’s event will highlight the crucial role that touch referees play and encourage more people to come forward for the sake of the sport’s future in the Emirates.
Nathan Stanley, a founding member of the Dubai-based Super 6s Touch league’s board, said: “Refereeing is often a thankless task due to a lack of respect for referees by both players and supporters, which can discourage many from taking up or continuing with the role.
“I firmly believe that clubs and teams could look to make refereeing courses mandatory for all players from early teens and upwards to ensure they understand the difficulties of the role and to enable them to gain a better appreciation of the rules.”
Savills, winners of the men’s competition in 2016, pictured with former England international Tom May.
Although becoming a referee might seem daunting, the Super 6s League actively helps develop referees through its Federation of International Touch (FIT) certified referee qualifications.
It also ensures that a minimum of two referees officiate in its matches, which enables referees to learn from and critique each other.
According to Stanley, there are some key personable attributes required to become a successful ref.
“A great referee will have a strong knowledge of the rules, which is why players who referee help themselves to develop into more balanced and knowledgeable touch players,” he added.
“They will have effective communication skills and should be firm but fair. Being able to anticipate play developing is key, as is the ability to make clear and rational decisions in line with the rules of touch while under pressure.
“Above all, a good ref will instill confidence in players that he or she has the ability to facilitate the match fairly.”
And Larkins is laying down the gauntlet: “Many people are completely unaware of the amazing opportunities there are as a touch ref to teach and mentor both nationally and internationally, just as in rugby, netball and football,” he said.
“So we’re calling on more players, parents, supporters and generally anyone with a real interest in the game to step forward and take up the challenge.”
For more information on the Zurich Corporate Touch 6s tournament this Friday, visit www.ZurichCorporateTouch6s.com.
To register a team for the youth tournament (free entry), email [email protected].
For more information regarding upcoming referee courses through the Dubai Super 6s, and their weekly touch league, get in touch via email at [email protected] or visit www.Super6s-dubai.com.
