The European Refereeing Commission (ERC) recently conducted a successful training program in Espinho, certifying four new referee coaches. This initiative marks a crucial advancement in the ERC`s continuous efforts to elevate the standards of Beach Volleyball coaching, officiating, and supervision. Following an online refresher session for all CEV Beach Volleyball Referee Coaches in May, this program reaffirms the ERC`s commitment to equipping referees with essential skills and knowledge, especially as the sport`s appeal grows across Europe, particularly among younger audiences.
ERC Secretary Avelino Azevedo portrayed together with lecturers and the four newly confirmed CEV Beach Volleyball Referee Coaches
The practical seminar, held concurrently with the 2025 CEV Beach Volley Nations Cup Final in Espinho, benefited greatly from the support of local organizers and the Portuguese Volleyball Federation. The training was led by Marc Berard, a highly respected FIVB Referee Coach from France, in collaboration with Oana Sarb from Romania, who served as the Nations Cup Final Referee Coach and an ERC member. Their combined extensive expertise significantly enriched the learning experience for all participants.
Four distinguished 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. These newly certified CEV Referee Coaches are set to begin their pivotal role in January 2026, focusing on identifying, evaluating, and mentoring promising young referees, thereby shaping the future landscape of European Beach Volleyball officiating.
This training further exemplifies the ERC`s holistic strategy for referee development across all disciplines of volleyball, building on a similar program conducted earlier this month in Serbia for Volleyball Referee Coaches.
