In a bid to ensure the successful and seamless conduct of the upcoming National County Sports Meet (NCSM), the Liberia Kickball Federation (LKF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS), has concluded a comprehensive three-day training session for referees and match commissioners who will officiate in kickball matches across the country.
The training, which wrapped up early this week in Paynesville, was designed to enhance the capacity of officials, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to uphold the integrity and high standards of the sport during the much-anticipated event.
The workshop, held at the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ headquarters, aimed to strengthen the decision-making abilities of referees and match commissioners, ensuring that they can enforce the rules and regulations of kickball confidently, especially during the high-pressure situations that are characteristic of the National County Sports Meet. This will prevent potential conflicts or disputes that could undermine the spirit of unity and sportsmanship that the event is meant to foster.
The National County Sports Meet is Liberia’s flagship sporting event, drawing citizens from all corners of the country to celebrate their counties and engage in friendly competition. The event holds special cultural significance as it transcends political, ethnic, and regional differences, offering a platform for all Liberians to come together, promote solidarity, and showcase their pride in their respective counties.
Every year, the meet sees teams from across the country compete in various sporting disciplines, including football and kickball. A victory by any county is often seen as a symbol of unity and pride, and the celebrations at the National Stadium in Monrovia become a powerful demonstration of national identity and togetherness.
The training program for referees and match commissioners focused on practical aspects of officiating kickball, emphasizing the importance of consistency, fairness, and understanding the finer details of the sport’s rules.
Officials were given in-depth sessions on decision-making, handling controversial moments, and maintaining composure under pressure. Additionally, the course addressed the essential role that officials play in ensuring the overall success of the event, not only in terms of enforcing the rules but also in creating a positive and professional atmosphere that reflects the best values of sportsmanship.
Assistant Minister for Sports, Murphy Gray, who spoke at the opening of the training workshop, highlighted the significance of the session in helping to streamline the officiating process for the upcoming National County Sports Meet.
Minister Gray reiterated that, while officiating is often a challenging aspect of any sporting event, it is crucial for referees and match commissioners to have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities in order to manage the game smoothly and without bias.
“The National County Sports Meet is a major event that brings together people from every corner of our country. As we prepare for this year’s edition, we must ensure that the officiating is fair, transparent, and aligned with international best practices,” Minister Gray stated. “This training is designed to help our officials make decisive calls, avoid errors, and create an environment where players and fans alike can enjoy the games without confusion or disputes.”
The training attracted referees and match commissioners from several counties, including Montserrado, Margibi, Bong, Grand Bassa, Nimba, and Sinoe. This diverse participation ensured that officials from across Liberia were well-prepared to officiate in their respective regions, contributing to the broader goal of maintaining consistency in the application of the rules during the tournament.
LKF officials and the Ministry of Youth and Sports emphasized that early and thorough preparation was critical to the success of the National County Sports Meet. “We believe that by training our officials in advance, we can prevent many of the challenges that usually arise during competitions,” said LKF President, Martin F. Wleh. “Our priority is to ensure a peaceful, competitive, and enjoyable environment for everyone involved.”
