In 1977, Paul Akon, a 30-year-old lawyer from Sydney, authored the book “Play the Whistle,” aimed at rugby union referees. This landmark publication was reported by The Fiji Times on March 15, 1977, as the first book of its kind globally.
During his trip to Tonga and New Zealand, Akon visited Suva and noted that he traveled extensively through various rugby-playing nations, including Wales, Ireland, Scotland, England, Canada, the United States, Singapore, and Argentina. The book received endorsements from the Australian Rugby Football Union, which allowed each union to publish and distribute localized editions. Proceeds from the sales were designated to support the sport.
Akon proposed that rugby unions could utilize the profits for their own purposes or contribute them to the Australian Society of Rugby Referees based in Sydney. Wales had ordered 3,000 copies, while Canada planned to order 1,000. Moreover, translations of the book were set to be made in French, Japanese, and Spanish. A copy was also provided to the Fiji Rugby Union.
Although targeted at referees, the book appealed to a broader audience. It served as an introductory guide to the practical aspects of officiating, designed to assist newcomers in navigating the various phases of gameplay. The book detailed recommended positions during set plays and instructions on movements during active play.
Additionally, it highlighted crucial facets of refereeing, including pre-game preparation, maintaining concentration during matches, and post-game procedures, along with a section on touch judging. Players, coaches, and spectators could also find valuable insights within its pages.
Akon had been involved in refereeing since he was 14, having learned the sport’s rules at Scots College after medical advice advised him to stop playing. As a member of the Sydney Rugby Referees Association, he officiated in regions such as the Australian Capital Territory, Scotland, and Wales.