AFP advisor officiates at Solrais women’s premier league

An advisor for the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Leading Senior Constable Andrew Merchant, officiated at the Solrais Women's Premier League 2022 season that started at DC Park last week.

Constable Merchant, who finds a new hobby in soccer refereeing, officiated as an assistant match official in one of the opening matches of the league. The league kicks-off on 27th August 2022.

He was a sideline official at a match between Geniagu and Naha FC which ended with a nil-all draw.

Despite being new to soccer refereeing, Constable Merchant has been a referee in Australia where he officiated in rugby league and AFL Australian rules football matches.

Officiating in sport competitions in the Solomon Islands is something Constable Merchant wanted after learning that he has been assigned to come to the Solomon Islands under AFP.

He desperately wanted to involve in community sports and whilst in quarantine he did an on-line soccer refereeing course through the Football Federation Australia (FFA) where he completed it.

When Constable Merchant was released from quarantine, he made contact with the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) where he offered his refereeing service. SIFF agreed to.

He was also given an okay from the AFP executive to participate in local sports.

While attending games as an official, he also undergoes referee training and also deliver running fitness and conditioning training at Lawson Tama.

SIFF sought his service during the Malaita provincial second appointed day soccer event on 20 August 2022 where he was appointed as assistant match official. The local football body has again appointed Constable Merchant to be an assistant match official in the Solrais Women’s soccer league.

Looking ahead, Constable Merchant is eager to involve in local sports events.

“I hope to get involve in the local junior competition when it starts this month. I enjoy involving in local activities and volunteering my time through sport as it is very satisfying and appreciated by the community,” Constable Merchant said.