Lagos – Henry Ochei, a practising referee has appealed to the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) to organise regular training programmes that would keep its personnel abreast with current trends in the profession.

Ochei on Monday in Lagos said that if referees were exposed to refresher courses on a regular basis, the league would be better off for it.

He added that training programmes should hold before the commencement of a league season or possibly during the interval period.

“We need to be engaged constantly in seminars and clinics that will help to broaden our scope.

“By so doing, we will be able to discharge our duties in a manner that will be devoid of controversies during league matches,’’ he said.

Ochei also urged the authorities to also update the nation’s domestic league with current rules and regulations of the sport.

“Players should also be exposed to the latest rules and regulations of the game, for better understanding during league matches.

“If players are conversant with the rules, they will be in a better position to appreciate developments during league matches.

“Through such exposure, players will learn to curtail their excesses during league,’’ Ochei added.

He stressed that the welfare of referees should be given utmost priority, in order to reduce the unsavoury incidence of match fixing. (NAN)