Three new Referee Coaches successfully complete their training in Vrnjačka Banja

Earlier this week, the European Refereeing Commission (ERC) organised a second session specifically designed for new Referee Coaches, thereby following up on a similar initiative delivered back in January. With this action, the ERC continues to pursue its vision and mission to educate referees and to equip them with the necessary tools and knowledge to make sure they play their role as well at a time when Volleyball further develops as a sport as appealing and entertaining as possible, especially for the younger audiences. 

The seminar for Referee Coaches was organised in Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia, in conjunction with the 2025 edition of the FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U19 World Championship, with full support of the local organisers and the Volleyball Federation of Serbia. The speakers involved in the seminar delivery were Guy Bradbury of Canada, a renowned FIVB Referee Coach, and Czechia’s Milan Labasta, a member of the European Refereeing Commission and FIVB Referee Coach as well. 

They both shared a wealth of knowledge and experience with the participants. Three well-known former international referees – Aleksandar Vinaliev (Bulgaria), Boris Kolarevic (Serbia), and Epaminondas Gerothodoros (Greece) – successfully completed the course and as of January 2026, they will start playing a pivotal role in the scouting, evaluation, and education of young, promising referees in their new capacity as CEV Referee Coaches.  

A similar course specifically designed for Beach Volleyball Referee Coaches will be taking place next week in Espinho, Portugal, alongside the Beach Volley Nations Cup Final 2025.