Estonian Federation inspires teenagers to become Volleyball referees
News
With the resurgence of the coronavirus pandemic resulting in the closure of all sports facilities, the Estonian Volleyball Federation decided to adjust to the circumstances and to engage with members through the delivery of a refereeing course for beginners.
Teenagers from the age of 14 were able to participate. The course consisted of three sessions, starting with individual work on rules, regulations and videos. The second part ran via Zoom, where international referees shared with the participants their experience about the game, rules, and answered their questions as well.
The third part followed on February 14, with a practical session held at a school gym. Two Estonian top referees - Erko Varblane and Marek Vitsur - shared their knowledge. The youngsters learned how to whistle, how to move, how to use their hand signals, how to choose match balls, etc. Kids who participated in all three sections of the course received a certificate and they are now able to officiate at school competitions. The ones willing to learn more can continue their experience until they can receive a referee’s full license.
Students from seven different schools from and near Tallinn – Helena Truber, Kaur Koitla, Andri Koitla, Kiara Rumask, Emma-Liis Kirst, Johanna Sova, Anna Kukemelk, Kristina Aasa, Anna Belova, Maria Elizabeth Kalk, and Emma Joonas – attended the course and received the certificate.
The aim of the Federation is to organise this kind of course all over Estonia, so the kids would know Volleyball better, and in order to recruit more referees in the smaller areas of the country as well. This action should also help improve the level of school volleyball competitions.
International referee Marek Vitsur was very pleased with the level shown by the attendees:
“At the beginning they all were a little shy, but with time they got more confident. You have to start with an open heart, and everything else comes with the practice. Those who attended the course are now definitely a step closer to becoming a top referee, if they wish to continue educating themselves.”