CEV
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
The European Refereeing Commission (ERC) recently conducted its second training session for new Referee Coaches in Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia, building on a similar initiative held in January. This program underscores the ERC`s unwavering commitment to advancing volleyball by educating referees and providing them with essential tools and knowledge. The ultimate goal is to ensure officials effectively contribute to making volleyball an increasingly appealing and engaging sport, particularly for younger audiences.
ERC President Arturo Di Giacomo pictured alongside the three newly confirmed CEV Referee Coaches.
The seminar was strategically organized in Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia, coinciding with the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U19 World Championship. This arrangement benefited immensely from the full support of both local organizers and the Volleyball Federation of Serbia. The seminar featured esteemed speakers, including Guy Bradbury of Canada, a highly regarded FIVB Referee Coach, and Milan Labasta from Czechia, who is both a member of the European Refereeing Commission and an FIVB Referee Coach.
Both experts generously shared their extensive knowledge and invaluable experience with the participants. Three distinguished former international referees – Aleksandar Vinaliev (Bulgaria), Boris Kolarevic (Serbia), and Epaminondas Gerothodoros (Greece) – successfully completed the rigorous course. As of January 2026, these newly certified coaches will assume pivotal roles as CEV Referee Coaches, focusing on the crucial tasks of scouting, evaluating, and developing promising young referees across Europe.
In a related development, a parallel training program specifically designed for Beach Volleyball Referee Coaches is scheduled to take place next week in Espinho, Portugal. This course will be held in conjunction with the Beach Volley Nations Cup Final 2025, further expanding the CEV`s comprehensive referee development initiatives.
