At the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, a new generation of match officials is learning that a whistle and a yellow card aren’t enough. Ghana Football Association President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku recently met with participants of the FIFA Member Association Young Talent Refereeing Course to discuss the mental side of the job. He made it clear that while physical fitness is vital, a deep intellectual grasp of the rules is what truly defines a professional.
This six-day intensive program isn’t just a one-off workshop; it’s a key part of the GFA’s ‘Catch Them Young Refereeing Policy.’ By identifying promising talent early, the association aims to build a sustainable pipeline of elite officials. The course combines technical lessons and practical sessions with mentorship from international experts to prepare referees for the highest levels of the sport.
President Simeon-Okraku used a striking comparison to emphasize the importance of studying the rules. “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,” he told the participants.
The GFA boss argued that a referee’s credibility on the pitch depends entirely on their confidence in the rules. When the pressure mounts in a high-stakes match, only a thorough understanding of the law allows an official to make the right call. “Every great referee is first a student of the game. Never stop learning,” Simeon-Okraku noted, urging them to remain humble and disciplined.
To ensure these standards are met, the program is being led by FIFA Technical Instructor Essameldin Abdelfattah Hassan Abdelhamid from Egypt and Physical Instructor Boubakar Hannachi from Tunisia. This international collaboration provides the young officials with a global perspective on the game. The ultimate goal is to see more Ghanaian referees representing the nation at continental and world competitions.
