In 1977, Paul Akon, a 30-year-old lawyer from Sydney, authored the book “Play the Whistle,” aimed at rugby union referees. On March 15 of that year, The Fiji Times highlighted that this work was the first of its kind globally. Akon, who was en route to Tonga and New Zealand, had traversed many rugby-playing nations, including Wales, Ireland, Scotland, England, Canada, the United States, Singapore, and Argentina.
The Australian Rugby Football Union accepted the book, and Akon provided each union with a copy, granting them the rights to publish and distribute it locally. Revenues generated from the book sales were intended to support the sport. Akon mentioned that unions could use the funds themselves or send them to the Australian Society of Rugby Referees in Sydney. Notably, Wales ordered 3,000 copies, while Canada anticipated an order for 1,000. The book is also set to be translated into French, Japanese, and Spanish, with a copy presented to the Fiji Rugby Union.
Though primarily designed for referees, the book boasts broader appeal. It serves as an introduction to the practical aspects of officiating, helping newcomers navigate various phases of play they must oversee. The text outlines optimal positioning during different play phases and discusses vital elements of refereeing, including pre-game preparation, focus during matches, post-game activities, and a section on touch judging. Players, coaches, and spectators can all find valuable insights within its pages.
Akon has been a referee since he was 14, having started his journey at Scots College, where he took a course on the game’s laws after being advised against continuing to play for health reasons. A member of the Sydney Rugby Referees Association, he has officiated matches in the Australian Capital Territory, Scotland, and Wales.