President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has challenged participants in the FIFA Member Association (MA) Young Talent Refereeing Course to develop a lifelong habit of studying the Laws of the Game, describing it as the foundation of every successful refereeing career.
Addressing the young match officials at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, President Simeon-Okraku encouraged them to make the Laws of the Game their constant companion, stressing that technical knowledge is just as important as physical fitness and match management.
Drawing a powerful analogy, the GFA President said referees should know the Laws of the Game as intimately as religious leaders know their sacred texts.
"Just as Muslim clerics have the verses of the Holy Qur'an at their fingertips, and Christian preachers know the verses of the Bible, referees must also have the Laws of the Game at their fingertips. Always read it. It is your book," President Simeon-Okraku told the participants.
He explained that a referee's credibility and confidence are built on a thorough understanding of the Laws of the Game, adding that continuous study enables match officials to make accurate decisions under pressure.
President Simeon-Okraku urged the young referees to cultivate a culture of continuous learning, reminding them that the best officials are those who consistently seek to improve their knowledge and performance.
"Every great referee is first a student of the game. Never stop learning. Read the Laws of the Game regularly, ask questions, and take every opportunity to improve yourselves. The knowledge you acquire today will shape the officials you become tomorrow," he said.
The GFA President also encouraged the participants to remain disciplined, humble and committed throughout their refereeing journey, noting that the FIFA MA Young Talent Refereeing Course provides a unique platform to learn from experienced FIFA instructors and prepare for higher levels of officiating.
He expressed confidence that the participants have the potential to become future elite referees capable of representing Ghana on the continental and global stage, provided they remain dedicated to their development.
The FIFA MA Young Talent Refereeing Course is a FIFA capacity-building initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing promising young match officials through technical instruction, practical training, fitness development and mentorship. The programme forms part of the Ghana Football Association's Catch Them Young Refereeing Policy, which seeks to build a sustainable pipeline of elite referees for Ghana football.
The six-day course is being conducted by FIFA Technical Instructor Essameldin Abdelfattah Hassan Abdelhamid of Egypt and FIFA Physical Instructor Boubakar Hannachi of Tunisia, who are equipping participants with the skills and knowledge required to excel at the highest levels of officiating.
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