The European Refereeing Commission (ERC) recently marked a pivotal moment in the advancement of Beach Volleyball officiating by certifying four new referee coaches. This initiative is a testament to the ERC`s unwavering dedication to fostering high-caliber coaching, officiating, and supervisory standards in the sport. Following an online refreshment session for existing CEV Beach Volleyball Referee Coaches in May, this program reinforces the ERC`s commitment to equipping referees with the vital expertise required to keep pace with the sport`s burgeoning popularity across Europe, particularly among its younger demographic.
ERC Secretary Avelino Azevedo is pictured with the lecturers and the four newly certified CEV Beach Volleyball Referee Coaches.
The practical seminar took place in Espinho, coinciding with the 2025 CEV Beach Volley Nations Cup Final, and benefited from robust support by local organizers and the Portuguese Volleyball Federation. The training was expertly led by Marc Berard, a distinguished FIVB Referee Coach from France, in collaboration with Oana Sarb of Romania, who serves as Nations Cup Final Referee Coach and an ERC member. Their combined vast knowledge and experience significantly enhanced the program for all participants.
Four prominent former international Beach Volleyball referees—Antonella Vidale (Italy), Bas van der Meijden (Netherlands), Christian Nogara (Belgium), and Sergios Sergiou (Cyprus)—successfully completed the rigorous course. Commencing in January 2026, these newly accredited CEV Referee Coaches will assume a critical role in scouting, assessing, and mentoring aspiring young referees, thereby profoundly influencing the trajectory of European Beach Volleyball officiating.
This initiative further underscores the ERC`s comprehensive strategy for referee development across all volleyball disciplines, building upon a similar program recently conducted for Volleyball Referee Coaches in Serbia.
