European volleyball`s commitment to excellence on the court extends well beyond the players and teams. Ensuring fair, consistent, and high-quality officiating is paramount, and to that end, the European Refereeing Commission (ERC) recently concluded a significant training initiative. Held in Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia, the seminar successfully certified three former international referees, ushering them into pivotal new roles as CEV Referee Coaches.
This event marks the second such session specifically organized for prospective Referee Coaches by the ERC, following an initial course in January. The commission`s strategic vision is clear: to proactively educate and equip officials with the necessary tools and knowledge. This effort is crucial as volleyball continues its dynamic evolution, aiming to remain as appealing and entertaining as possible, particularly for younger generations.
The seminar benefited greatly from its location in Vrnjačka Banja, held in conjunction with the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U19 World Championship. This allowed the new coaches to experience the atmosphere and demands of a major international tournament firsthand. The organization received strong support from the local hosts and the Volleyball Federation of Serbia.
Guidance during the rigorous training was provided by two highly respected figures in international refereeing: Guy Bradbury of Canada, a renowned FIVB Referee Coach, and Milan Labasta from Czechia, who serves as both a member of the European Refereeing Commission and an FIVB Referee Coach. These seasoned experts shared a wealth of knowledge, covering complex rules interpretation, match analysis, and effective coaching methodologies.
Emerging successfully from the program are three well-known names from the world of international refereeing: **Aleksandar Vinaliev** from Bulgaria, **Boris Kolarevic** from Serbia, and **Epaminondas Gerothodoros** from Greece. Having spent years making tough calls on the sport`s biggest stages, they now face the equally challenging task of shaping the next generation of officials. It`s a transition, perhaps, from being critiqued to becoming the critic, a role that requires a unique blend of experience, insight, and pedagogical skill.
Starting in January 2026, these three newly confirmed CEV Referee Coaches will take on a critical role within the European officiating structure. Their responsibilities will include scouting promising young referees, evaluating their performance during matches, and providing targeted education and mentorship. This direct investment in future talent is designed to ensure a continuous supply of highly competent officials for European competitions.
Demonstrating a comprehensive approach to developing officiating across all disciplines, the ERC is already looking ahead. A similar training course specifically tailored for Beach Volleyball Referee Coaches is scheduled to take place shortly in Espinho, Portugal, strategically planned alongside the Beach Volley Nations Cup Final 2025. This parallel initiative underscores the commitment to raising the standard of officiating across all formats of the sport.
The certification of these three new coaches represents a significant step in the ERC`s ongoing mission to elevate the standard of European volleyball refereeing, ensuring the sport`s integrity and appeal for years to come.
Torin Vale