Jude’s umpiring journey

Bougainville's top football umpire, Jude Maimoi, believes that umpiring can be an interesting career choice for players.

Maimoi has been recognized as an elite referee for Bougainville and is among the top umpires in the country. He was once a football player but decided to focus on refereeing to stay closer to the game he loves.

Through training, Jude has improved his skills and aims to advance further in his umpiring career.

"I started my football refereeing career back in 2022. I was once a player before I took up refereeing. I prefer refereeing as a pathway to grow and benefit from, with the aim of advancing as far as OFC and FIFA.

My first achievement was attending the OFC Level 1 Course in Port Moresby in 2022. My second achievement was being assessed and appointed as an elite referee in the Niugini Islands by the Head of the PNGFA's Referees Department.

Additionally, I attended the FIFA MA Instructors Course in 2023, also in Port Moresby".

Maimoi expressed his gratitude to the Bougainville Football Federation President, Justin Helele, and his brothers, Raymond, Ruben, and Desmond, for their ongoing support.

Currently, Jude is preparing to leave Buka for Lae to attend the Member Association Instructors Course, which will take place from May 12th to 16th this year in Lae.