Referees urged to play by the rules

Ho, Jan. 24, GNA - Speakers at the 2005 annual general meeting of the Keta-Aflao and Ho zones of the Referees Association of Ghana (RAG) have called on referees to be guided by the supreme interest of football and the protection the Association's public image when officiating football matches.

Mr Alphose Senyo, Volta Regional Secretary of the Association said referees need to comport and self-examine themselves both on and off the field.

Mr Simon Doku, Aflao-Keta Zonal Chairman of the Association said the quality of football depends on referee's preparedness to ensure that football was played according to the rules so as to make the "whistle supreme" and a source of respect for their actions.

Mr Leonard Amenyetor, a Trustee of the Aflao-Keta zone of the Association advised referees to avoid alcoholism since the habit could affect their focus and performance on the field.

He said it was important that referees put great premium on football both as an entertainment and a commercial undertaking and to adopt the right attitude to it.

The meeting was climaxed with a football match that was won by the Ho zone by a lone goal.