Referees from mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar have been urged to uphold fairness, integrity, and patriotism in sports management to ensure genuine winners emerge at the 7th Women’s Athletics Championships, ‘Ladies First’, scheduled for November 29–30 at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The call came on November 28, 2025, during the opening of a special seminar for referees, officiated by Charles Maguzu, Sports Officer at the National Sports Council (BMT).
Maguzu stressed that fairness must be transparent and guided by refereeing ethics.
“Work together and support one another. If a colleague makes a mistake, correct it politely. Also, act as mentors for athletes, especially children, and ensure their safety so that competitions can proceed smoothly and successfully,” Maguzu said.
Rogath Stephen, President of the Tanzania Athletics Association (RT), commended regional committees and associations for organizing the selection competitions for athletes participating in the event.
He highlighted the crucial role of the championships in discovering and nurturing young female talent.
“Given the importance of these competitions, the Association prioritizes reintegrating retired athletes into the sport so they can continue contributing as mentors,” Stephen said.
Stephen also urged regional leaders nationwide to involve retired athletes in athletics programs, enabling them to share ideas that will strengthen sports development at the regional level.
He called on regional authorities to organize regular competitions for young female athletes, working closely with parents to create safe environments and build strong institutions that support the growth of athletic talent.