ERC devises ambitious plans to raise quality of Volleyball refereeing in Europe

The members of the European Refereeing Commission (ERC) chaired by Arturo Di Giacomo had a highly productive meeting at the home of European Volleyball in Luxembourg, with the discussions and conversations reflecting their common wish to contribute to the further growth of the game and to further raise the quality and status of Volleyball refereeing across Europe. 

“I am extremely satisfied with this first meeting of the 2024-2028 term, since all members brought much energy and great ideas to the table, showing their readiness and full commitment to help us grow the game and raise the level of refereeing even further,” the ERC President said. “It was highly important to come together at the home of European Volleyball, so that we could establish a closer connection with the staff and see for ourselves what it means to work on a daily basis for the good of the sport.” 

The ERC members have been divided into four working groups with a focus on strategic areas where there is still room for improvement. As far as Beach Volleyball is concerned, there is a wish to raise the level of performance among referees, including those responsible to work with the challenge / video verification system, while following closely the path taken by candidate referees to ensure their steady progression through the ranks via their participation in age-group tournaments and other competitions where they can progressively hone their skills. The working group in charge of Beach Volleyball has also proposed the delivery of a refreshment course specifically designed for Referee Coaches – who play a key role in growing the next generation of elite referees too. 

To this extent, a separate working group has focussed on a comprehensive mentoring programme across both Volleyball and Beach Volleyball, whereby more experienced referees shall help younger ones in their personal and professional development. Referee coaches will also play a role in this process not only through the continuous evaluation of referees, but also through the consistent application of common standards across the full spectrum of Volleyball and Beach Volleyball activities. 

Education remains a key area for the ERC to work on and the relevant working group has proposed not only the introduction of regular online tests ahead of (major) competitions to assess the referees’ readiness to perform and fulfil their duties, but also the delivery of webinars for specific target groups through the involvement of renowned speakers. Moreover, a newsletter to be issued two to three times a year could be introduced thereby making sure that National Federations also help implement a consistent application of the rules of the game, while a refreshment course for Referee Coaches shall take place in 2026 ahead of the highly important CEV EuroVolley Men and Women. 

Finally, in a more long-term perspective, a fourth working group focussed on development plans and ideas, such as the ability for the challenge referee to operate the system as well, the introduction of a so-called ‘green card’ to acknowledge players’ acts of fair play, the removal of line judges in competitions / matches where the challenge system is in place and the ability for the first referee to engage with the audience by explaining the process that has taken to some - at times for the public – unclear or even contentious decisions.  

“What comes out of this meeting is that we are all united in striving for quality and excellence,” ERC President Di Giacomo said, “and I am confident that with this group of people and the support of the CEV leadership, we are on the right track to achieve this strategic goal.”