It was a pleasant surprise for Mere Uluinaceva when she was named the best female referee in the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s at the ANZ Stadium on Saturday.
The 28-year-old from Namalata, Kadavu is one of two female referees who participated in the annual event.
“I feel really excited and lost for words because this is such a shock to me,” Uluinaceva said.
“There are only two of us and to be the one who got the award is a huge personal achievement for me.”
Uluinaceva has been a referee for seven years. “I only got into refereeing because a friend of mine persuaded me,” she said.
“As a female referee for the past seven years, it has been a huge challenge for me because I am mainly working with males.
“We face a lot of criticism not only from the players and coaches but also the spectators as well.
“I get rude comments from spectators like ‘You’re a female, you are not supposed to be refereeing a man’s game’ or ‘You should go home and cook’.
“So when I hear negative comments, it usually comes through one ear and out the other.”
Uluinaceva is urging females to get more involved in rugby not only as a player but as a referee.
“Of course there will be a lot criticism but we, as females, face criticism every day of our lives, it is about the guts you have for rugby and the passion you have that should drive you.”
Edited by Osea Bola
Feedback: justine.mannan@fijisun.com.fj
