ENSURING SAFETY IN THE GAME OF FOOTBALL: THE ROLE OF THE REFEREES

This paper focused on the role of referees in ensuring safety in the game of football. It highlighted the concepts of referee, officiating and posited how referees can ensure safety in football. It concluded by stating that most incidents in the game of football matches are as a result of spectators and fans reaction to unsafe acts of the referees and that referees who are major producers of football should not be a source of regret to consumers of the game. It recommended among others that; there should be comprehensive and well organized training schedule for referees. The assessment for promotion of referees should include practical sessions. Modules of safety courses should be integral part of referees training schedule and safety seminars and workshops should be organized for referees locally and internationally