CLOSE to 60 referees took part in the Annual Fitness Run under heavy ground conditions at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, yesterday. The programme, organised by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) in collaboration with the Guyana Football Referees Council (GFRC), provided an opportunity for referees to improve their level of fitness ahead of local, regional and international matches.
The ground was damp following earlier morning showers forcing several referees to pull out before completing the event due to the conditions.
The results from the tests would be submitted to FIFA (Federation of International Football) for appraisal and action.
GFF president Colin Klass who witnessed the programme called on referees to ensure that they maintain good health and be honest especially when they are preparing for such exercises.
Klass said there has been a tremendous growth in the local referees’ movement recently from a mere six to ten referees in the 80s.  He however, cautioned the officials to be serious as they go about their task.
He called on referees to ensure that they submit to a thorough fitness examination from a qualified doctor or institution annually to be more up to date with their physical health.
The Fitness Run attracted male and female referees from Bartica, Berbice, Georgetown, Linden, West Demerara and East Demerara who competed in the following categories FIFA referees (male and female), FIFA assistant referees  (male and female) and national referees and assistant referees.
Included in the lineup was Diane Ferreira-James who returned from the Bahamas for the assessment.
Referees instructors Lawrence Griffith and Roy McArthur assisted Physical Instructor Lindley Langhorne who supervised the run.
In addition, GFRC president Alfred King, secretary Troy Peters and treasurer Dwayne Inniss attended the four-hour programme.