The Asian International Referee Candidate Course has recently commenced in the Sultanate of Oman, marking a significant event in the realm of volleyball refereeing. This eight-day course, which began on January 25, 2024, and is set to conclude on January 31, is a pivotal step in enhancing the skills and understanding of volleyball referees from across Asia.
Hosted in Oman, the course has garnered the participation of 19 candidates from seven different countries, including three females. This diverse group of participants is a testament to the growing interest and involvement in volleyball refereeing across the continent. The countries represented are Jordan, Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Syria, and Oman.
The program is being conducted by Mr. Waleed Abdelsamad from Egypt, who holds esteemed positions as both an FIVB Referee Instructor & FIVB Referee Coach, and as a CAVB Refereeing Commission Member and Technical Secretary of QVA Refereeing Commission. His expertise in the field is invaluable to the course and offers a unique opportunity for the participants to learn from one of the best in the industry.
The course kicked off with an opening ceremony presided over by Dr. Tarek Mohamed Aly, Technical Director of Oman Volleyball Association. The presence of numerous media persons at the event highlighted the significance of this course in the world of volleyball.
This program is not just about theoretical knowledge but also includes practical aspects of refereeing, providing a holistic learning experience for the candidates. By the end of the course, the participants are expected to have gained considerable knowledge and experience, which will be instrumental in their future refereeing careers. They are likely to extend their understanding and skills in further development programs and potentially progress to becoming AVC and FIVB international referees.
The candidates participating in this course come from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to the program. The list of candidates includes individuals like Mr. Hussain Ali and Ms. Fatemah Alkandari from Kuwait, Mr. Jaafar Hafedh Almaliki, Mr. Ali Azeez, and Mr. Mastafa Khalid Homs from Iraq, and representatives from other participating countries.
Overall, this course signifies a major step forward in the development and enhancement of volleyball refereeing standards in Asia. It provides a platform for emerging referees to hone their skills, understand the nuances of the game better, and prepare themselves for higher levels of competition. With such initiatives, the future of volleyball refereeing in Asia looks promising.
