What may be described as an historic occasion took place recently at a hotel in Mellieħa where senior referees and assistant referees, members of the Malta Football Association, spent three days discussing the Laws of the Game, including the most recent amendments, in a live-in which also helped each official to have free and frank discussions.

Organised and coordinated by the head of the Referees Department, Patrick Fenech, under the auspices of the Referees Board, the seminar was opened by Carmelo Bartolo, chairman of the board.

He spoke about the value of having such a gathering and the importance that should be attached to correct decision-making on the field of play.

The officials present also heard members of the Referees Board lecture on psychological pressure on referees, the abilities and responsibilities of referees and teamwork and correct decisions.

Referees were also split into groups and given specific incidents which they discussed and reported back on what they thought the decision should be.

A healthy discussion invariably ensued as officials have different ideas on given situations.

Physical and practical training was also included and officials went through their paces at the Mellieħa ground, led by the referees coach Ronald Zammit.

A most interesting discussion was the lecture given by coach Paul Zammit. His reading of the game differs from that of a referee but it showed referees what coaches expect from them.

He encouraged officials to change speed regularly and to cover more ground.

Loyalty to the game and absolute integrity on the official's part were the main themes dealt with by MFA president Joe Mifsud.

Referees should lead by example, he said, and avoid being seen with people of dubious character as no matter how innocent they may be, the public perception could be otherwise.