Tashkent, Uzbekistan — The International Candidate Referee Course officially opened today in Tashkent, marking a significant step forward in the development of volleyball officiating within the region. Running from 30 November to 6 December 2025, the week-long program brings together 22 experienced and emerging referees from nine countries for intensive training under the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC).
The opening ceremony, held at 10:00 AM, set a strong tone for the program’s objectives. Senior officials from the Volleyball Federation of Uzbekistan, including Vice President Jamshid Fayziyev, Secretary General Farhod Alimov, and Head of International Relations Samandar Badalov, delivered their welcome messages alongside AVC Referee Committee Member Mr. Shahmiri Mohammed. All speakers emphasized the importance of strengthening referee education to support the growing demands of international volleyball.
Organized in collaboration with the AVC, the course offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to elevate participants’ technical and practical officiating skills. Sessions will cover the latest updates to international volleyball rules, real-world application of regulations during match scenarios, and deeper insights into decision-making in complex game situations.
Participants will also take part in hands-on refereeing simulations, guided by seasoned instructors and FIVB-level experts. Beyond technical knowledge, the course will focus on modern officiating competencies such as match management, communication, teamwork, and psychological readiness—skills essential for referees operating at the highest levels of the sport.
Officials noted that the initiative is expected to contribute significantly to the development of volleyball across Central Asia. By investing in the education of new international referees, organizers aim to build a more capable, confident, and globally competitive pool of officiating talent.
With strong institutional support and a diverse roster of participants, the International Candidate Referee Course stands poised to further enhance the standards of officiating within the Asian volleyball community.