Bangkok, Thailand, October 7, 2025 – After a week of intensive theoretical and practical sessions, the AVC International Referee Candidates Course came to a fruitful close, with 18 candidates from 10 countries, including five women, proudly earning their certificates upon passing the final examination.
Participants hailed from Australia, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Macau China, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Syria, and Thailand. The one-week course was conducted under the expert guidance of Mr Dean Edward Turner, Chairman of the AVC Referee Committee and Member of the FIVB Rules of the Game & Refereeing Commission, who served as the Course Instructor.
The certificate presentation and closing ceremony, held on Tuesday at the Conference Room of Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, was presided over by Mr Somporn Chaibangyang, President of the Thailand Volleyball Association (TVA); Assistant Professor Dr Somsak Klaisang, Vice President for Student Affairs of Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, and Mr Shanrit Wongprasert, Honorary Life Vice President of the AVC and Honorary Life Secretary General of the TVA.
Also in attendance were Mr Songsak Chareonpong, Chairman of the Thailand Referee Committee, former AVC Referee Committee Chairman and former Member of the FIVB Rules of the Game & Refereeing Commission; Mr Somporn Sodhisuporn, Chairman of the Thailand Technical Committee; Course Instructor Mr Turner; and all course participants.
In his closing remarks, TVA President Mr Somporn expressed heartfelt appreciation to all those involved in organizing the course and extended special gratitude to Course Instructor Mr Turner and Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University for their support and collaboration.
“On behalf of the Thailand Volleyball Association, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to all participants of the AVC International Referee Candidates Course on your remarkable achievement after a week of hard work and dedication,” said Mr Somporn. “Thanks to your excellent instructor, Mr Dean Turner, I am confident that the knowledge you have gained will help you become among the finest referees to be reckoned with in the near future.”
He also expressed appreciation to the host university, adding:
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, especially Assistant Professor Dr Somsak Klaisang and his team, for providing excellent facilities, equipment, and warm hospitality throughout the course, which left a lasting impression on all participants. I wish everyone a safe journey home and now officially declare the AVC International Referee Candidates Course closed.”
Assistant Professor Dr Somsak Klaisang also shared his congratulations and appreciation in his remarks.
“First of all, I would like to congratulate all attendees of the AVC International Referee Candidates Course on your great success – your dedication and perseverance have paid off, and you truly deserve this recognition,” he said.
“I sincerely hope that all of you will soon become certified AVC International Referees. “It is both a great honor and privilege for Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University to have been entrusted by the Thailand Volleyball Association and the FIVB Development Center in Thailand to host this prestigious course, which takes place only a few times each year. Our university remains committed to supporting activities that contribute to the growth and development of volleyball in Asia and beyond. I wish all participants a safe journey home and every success in your future refereeing careers. May the knowledge you have gained here bear fruit for volleyball in your countries, across the continent, and throughout the world.”
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