19 teams sign up for Lae Corporate Touch comp for 2024

By NAOMI KALATE
NINETEEN teams have registered to compete in the Lae Corporate Touch competition this year, however, this huge number has brought on a new challenge for the organisers.
With round one of game three matches set for Sunday at the Lae Eriku Oval, president Steven Kuimp said there was a shortage of certified referees and coaches to officiate the games.
“There are good number of turn out from the clubs and teams and it’s a good thing,” Kuimp said.
“However, our main challenge now is not having enough certified referees and coaches except for one.
“Our aim is to minimise the number of clubs to 20 so the number is enough for us to manage and complete this season on time,” he said of the 2024 season.
Kuimp said the lack of certified officials in the country was an ongoing concern, a direct result of Touch Federation PNG not running referee and coaching clinics nationwide.
He said their attempt to send referees and coaches to attend a Federation of International Touch sanctioned training in Australia last year was unsuccessful.
“I encourage each clubs and the teams to adhere to the rules set by the association while attending the games so that we can start the games and finish on time to avoid any further delays in the matches,” Kuimp said.