The European Refereeing Commission (ERC) recently conducted a second training session for aspiring Referee Coaches, building on a similar program held in January. This initiative is central to the ERC`s mission: to provide referees with the expertise needed to excel as volleyball continues to evolve into a highly engaging and entertaining sport, particularly for younger fans.
ERC President Arturo Di Giacomo portrayed together with the three newly confirmed CEV Referee Coaches
Held in Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia, the seminar coincided with the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U19 World Championship, receiving valuable support from local organizers and the Serbian Volleyball Federation. The program featured experienced speakers, including Guy Bradbury (Canada), a respected FIVB Referee Coach, and Milan Labasta (Czechia), who serves on the European Refereeing Commission and is also an FIVB Referee Coach.
Three distinguished former international referees – Aleksandar Vinaliev (Bulgaria), Boris Kolarevic (Serbia), and Epaminondas Gerothodoros (Greece) – successfully completed the course. Starting in January 2026, these newly certified CEV Referee Coaches will be instrumental in identifying, assessing, and developing promising young referees.
Looking ahead, a dedicated training course for Beach Volleyball Referee Coaches is scheduled for next week in Espinho, Portugal, coinciding with the Beach Volley Nations Cup Final 2025.
Jasper Thornfield 
Finley Blackwood