Vienna pact – CEV & EHF team up for better officiating

At the new EHF headquarters, where the National Heads of Refereeing Convention is currently taking place, the CEV took centre stage to advocate for a unified, strategic approach to the recruitment of match officials. Avelino Azevedo, Secretary of the European Refereeing Commission (ERC), delivered a compelling presentation titled ‘Strengthening the Refereeing Base: A Strategic Priority in Volleyball’. 

Azevedo, an accomplished educator and former athlete, coach and elite Volleyball and Beach Volleyball referee, shared CEV’s roadmap for tackling the global shortage of officials. He highlighted the ‘abuse crisis’ – whereby 63% of all sports referees report threats as a shared barrier that requires immediate cross-sport collaboration. By showcasing CEV’s use of high-tech support like the Bolt6 tracking system, the ERC Secretary provided the over 50 EHF referee delegates from more than 40 countries with actionable tools to modernise their own structures, besides the Challenge Referee, Referee Coaches and Mentoring programme in both Volleyball and Beach Volleyball.

The presentation culminated in a powerful reinforcement of CEV President Roko Sikirić’s vision for the sport and Avelino Azevedo also emphasised that the progress made in refereeing is a testament to the President’s commitment to institutional growth.

“Our journey is far from over, but together, we have shown what unity, transparency, and purpose can achieve,” stated the ERC Secretary, quoting President Sikirić from his address at the last CEV General Assembly held in Paris this past November 2025. “The next chapter belongs to all of us - all for Volleyball,” an international vision which can be adapted to any other sport.

This idea underscores that referees are not just enforcers of rules, but vital stakeholders in the game’s integrity. By fostering an environment where officials are “recruited, retained, and empowered”, the CEV is leading a movement to ensure that the ‘third team’ on the court is as professional and protected as the athletes themselves.

The first day of the convention concluded in a panel discussion with representatives of UEFA, FIBA, Germany and Coventry University, and with a clear consensus: whether on the court or the sand, the future of European sport depends on a shared commitment to those who uphold the integrity of the game. The CEV remains at the forefront of this mission, transforming challenges into a strategic advantage for the generations to come.