SCHOOLTEACHER Kaveni Talemaivalagi was named the Referee of the Year during the Whistle Awards Night at the Defence Club last night.
Organised by the Suva Rugby Union Referees Association, the event attracted several guests who witnessed the recognition of referees.
Talemaivalagi, who hails from Kadavu, rose to the occasion and has been one of the consistent local referees in the country. He controlled his first Farebrother-Sullivan Challenge trophy match when Nadroga defended the silverware against Nadi in September.
He was a touch judge at the recent IRB Sevens World Series Gold Coast tournament in Australia last month.
Misaele Petero won the Referees Personality of the Year award while Koini Vuli was the top female referee.
Krishneel Chand was named the Special Referee and Jerry Veisa was given the Most Improved Performance Award.
Organiser and Fiji's top whistleman James Bolabiu congratulated the winners and acknowledged the contribution of all referees throughout the season.
Award Winners: Youngest Member Award: Tevita Vosalevu; Longest Serving Member Award: George Fonmoa; The Discipline Award: Akuila Tako; Best Committee Member Award: Josaia Vakatavitavi; Best Committee Award: The Development Committee; Most Improved Performance Award: Jerry Veisa; The Special Referee Award: Krishneel Chand; Best Supportive Member Award: Eleni Matavesi; Best Team Leader Award: Josaia Vakatavitavi; Assistant Referee of the Year Award: Usaia Bainivalu; Referee Coach of the Year Award: Marika Inia; Junior Referee of the Year Award: Ifereimi Tiko; Female Referee of the Year Award: Koini Vuli; Referee of the Year Award: Kaveni Talemaivalagi; Referee Personality of the Year Award: Misaele Petero