The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has organised a technical training course for referees and assistants at the Ghanaman Soccer Center of Excellence (GSCE) in Prampram, to enlighten them on new standards and updated regulations ahead of the upcoming Ghana Premier League (GPL) season.
The intensive course, which ran from August 29, 2024, to September 1, 2024, brought together 31 Premier League referees, 30 assistant referees, and 10 participants from the ‘Catch Them Young Referees’ programme.
The training programme was designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of the participants in both the theoretical and practical aspects of refereeing.
In addition to technical training, the programme included a fitness endurance check, previously completed, to ensure that all participants meet the rigorous physical demands of officiating at the highest level.
Key thematic topics covered under the course included recent amendments to the Laws of the Game – offside rules, handball decisions, and the management of tactical fouls. Additionally, the referees engaged in rigorous sessions focusing on penalty area incidents, positioning, and game management concepts.
A significant highlight of the training was the introduction of the Competitions Management System (CMS), which aims to streamline the management of football competitions and improve the overall efficiency of match officiating.
To ensure that the referees absorbed and applied their new knowledge effectively, the course included daily video and written tests. These assessments kept the participants engaged and allowed them to demonstrate their understanding of the material.
GFA Executive Council member, Dr. Gifty Oware, during the closing ceremony, congratulated the participants for successfully completing the course. She emphasised the importance of interpreting the laws of the game accurately on the field to maintain the integrity of football and ensure fairness in every match.
The training was conducted by the National Technical and Fitness Instructors, whose expertise and guidance were instrumental in the success of the course.
This intensive training programme represents a significant investment in the future of Premier League officiating, reflecting the Association’s commitment to maintaining high standards of refereeing and ensuring that its officials are well-prepared to manage the dynamic and challenging environment of top-flight football.
The successful completion of this training program is expected to contribute significantly to the improvement of refereeing standards in the Ghana Premier League and beyond.
