The training was to upgrade the skills and techniques of referees ahead of the Akro- Ako Eastern Region Volleyball league, which is slated to take off this weekend.

In all 15 referees participated in the exercise and were taken through the use of mechanized scoring sheets, how to communicate and take bold decisions between the first and second referees, how to make set ups at the game venues among others.

Speaking to the media after the training, Mr. Jerry Hodo, Chairman of Referees and Commission of Ghana Volleyball Association said the exercise was necessary because at the start of every competition, it was essential to prepare adequately to ensure a competitive event.

He said looking at how the standards of the game had risen and fast developing in the country with Ghana being ranked among the best teams in Africa, there was the need to ensure that referees and other stakeholders are periodically trained on the new rules and regulations.

Mr. Hodo explained that with the kind of training given to the referees, the region was going to witness some transformation when the league start, because there were going to be less complaints.

Mr. Daniel Nana Addo Kenneth, chairman of the Eastern Regional Volleyball Association said, this year’s league was going to be unique since it would be the first time well trained professional referees who have gone through FIVB training would be officiating matches.

He said, this year’s league also had a title sponsor, which was Akro-Ako Enterprise, dealers in sports kits and digital embroidery and there would be attractive prize packages for well deserving teams, describing it as a step in the right direction.

This year’s league has seven female teams and 11 male teams across the region competing for honours.

The winner of the male category would receive a cash prize of GH¢ 2,000.00, while the second and third placed teams would receive GH¢ 1,500.00 and GH¢ 1,000.00 respectively.

The winner of the women’s category would receive GH¢ 1,500.00, with the second placed team taking home GH¢ 1,000.00, whilst the third place team would get GH¢ 500.00, while all winners in both categories will receive a trophy and certificates.

The league kick would commence this Saturday at Akosombo with Adukrom Okere United Way facing Young Stars VC of Kpong, Hydro Spikers VC from Akosombo taks on A. S Spikers from Asutuare and Bridge Spikers VC from Atimpoku engage Spatarns VC from Odumasi.

The only match in the ladies division would be between Asutuare Ladies VC and Atimpoku Ladies VC to end the week one fixture in zone one.

All the matches of Zone one would be played at Akosombo at the weekend.