Asian Cup provides technical opportunities for coaches, match officials

• IRL this year launched the most expansive investment into grassroots game development in its history
• The technical education project objective is to ensure that every IRL member nation is able to produce its own coaches and match officials, through accredited local educators
• The IRL's system focuses heavily on continuing technical development (“CATO”: Consolidate-Apply-Team-Organise) between courses, to ensure that acquired knowledge turns into maturing understanding of the game, higher technical standards and an authentically developed sport
• The project is underpinned by state of the art e-learning management systems and coaching resources

The first cadre of local coaches and match officials have begun their technical formation following a visit by IRL tutors as part of Pambansang Ragbi Liga NG Pilipinas’s (Philippines National Rugby League) week-long Asian Cup event in Manila. 

PNRL president Reynaldo Nery said: “The dedication and expertise demonstrated by the IRL tutors have been truly outstanding. Their commitment to delivering world-class training has empowered local Filipinos with the knowledge and skills to elevate the game within their communities. These courses not only strengthen grassroots development but also lay a solid foundation for the growth of rugby league in the Philippines. By fostering local capability and professionalism, this initiative is a significant step towards securing IRL affiliate membership for the Philippine National Rugby League, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for the sport in the country.”

Five Filipino and one Japanese attended the two-day IRL Level 2 MO course, with each participant deployed in supporting roles at the tournament’s four games, that also featured Singapore and Hong Kong. The matches were refereed by experienced Australian officials, with local participants touch judging with full communications equipment and performing touchline duties including interchange, HIA protocols and timekeeping. The course design allowed the participants time to review their performances on day two.

“We witnessed a significant improvement in the performance of participants from day one of the course to the final match day and much of this was down to the ability to deliver the course, assess the performances in person and mentor the attendees over the course of the tournament,” said IRL MO Tutor Steve Davis. “We have highlighted key individuals in both Japan and the Philippines who will continue on a pathway to become match official educators themselves and in turn help these national organisations become the sustainable governors they are aiming to become.”

Four PNRL participants were certified as IRL Level 1 Coaches and, along with the match officials, will now complete a series of development tasks that will be remotely assessed by the IRL. Following completion and successful evaluation, the certified practitioners will become accredited level 1 coaches and match officials and be eligible to take level 2.  

Coach tutor Ross Antoniolli said: “I was really impressed with the level of engagement throughout the course, sharing lots of ideas with each other and asking some really important, thoughtful questions. We covered a range of subjects including what their role as a coach entails and how to create an environment that their players will enjoy while improving their rugby league play. They were able to practise their own coaching skills and planning different activities they can take back to their clubs to help the players in their teams.”

Both tutors said they were impressed by the standard of play in the Philippines.