Referee and VIS clinics with two demonstration teams on Saturday at Panasonic Arena
Osaka, Japan, May 10, 2025 – With just one day remaining before the kickoff of the inaugural AVC Men’s Champions League, all referees selected to officiate at this highly-anticipated tournament took part in the Referee Clinic on Saturday, held both theoretically and practically at the Panasonic Arena, the main competition venue for the elimination round from May 11 to 13.
Earlier on Saturday, AVC President Mr Ramon Suzara and FIVB Director for Asia and Oceania Mr Luis Alexander visited Panasonic Arena to show their support for the AVC Control Committee Members and to work closely with Japan Volleyball Association and SV.League in the final preparation for this top-tier tournament in Osaka and Kyoto. Their visit also aligned with the good collaboration between AVC, JVA and SV.League to ensure that all preparations are in place.
As President of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, Mr Suzara also visited the Cignal HD Spikers, which are being represented by the Philippines national men’s volleyball team in this competition as part of their preparation for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship which the Philippines will host this September.
Meanwhile, all referees underwent medical checkups conducted by Dr Joji Yoshizawa of Japan. According to the Medical Delegate, some referees were found to be overweight, out of shape, or experiencing high blood pressure. Dr Joji emphasized the importance of maintaining good health and physical condition in order to perform effectively on the court.
Under the leadership of Referee Delegate Mr Hamid Mohamed Ahmed Alrous Alhammadi from the UAE and Referee Sub-Committee Member Mr Shigeru Koshiba of Japan, the referees actively participated in the theoretical session in the afternoon, followed by the practical training. Key rule changes and updates from the FIVB Official Volleyball Rules 2025–2028 were reviewed and discussed in detail.
Mr Hamid also informed the group that the court layout to be followed mirrors that of Volleyball World’s Volleyball Nations League. Furthermore, competition technology has been upgraded to the VolleyStation system, which includes the use of team tablets. To ensure seamless adaptation, referees received special training from Mr Oskar Kaczmarczyk, VolleyStation Asia Sales & Events Director, who traveled from Poland for the occasion.
The clinic also provided referees the opportunity to work closely with the Video Challenge team. The AVC has introduced the advanced Video Challenge system to enhance decision-making and ensure fair play according to international standards.
Referees play a vital role in ensuring accurate outcomes during competition. Their responsibilities include pre-match equipment inspections, overseeing the coin toss, and enforcing rules throughout each match.
According to the Video Challenge team, challenges may be requested for the following situations:
• Ball In/Out – along sidelines and end lines
• Block Touch/No Touch – determining contact by blockers
• Net Fault – contact with the net between antennae during play
• Antenna Touch – contact with the antenna by player or ball
• Foot Faults – includes:
• Server contacting the end line or entering the court before hitting the serve
• Back-row player illegally completing an attack hit
• Complete crossing of the center line by one or both feet
• Floor Touch – determining if the ball contacted the court surface (e.g., using “pancake” saves)
A total of 12 international referees have been appointed to officiate in this premier event:
1. Julian Coburn (Australia)
2. Ali Alshaikh (Bahrain)
3. Wang Xiaochuan (China)
4. Morteza Alaii (Iran)
5. Jo Norihito (Japan)
6. Hayashi Junichi (Japan)
7. Aidos Akhmetov (Kazakhstan)
8. Yul Benosa (Philippines)
9. Fahad Mohammed Alawadhi (Qatar)
10. Jatuporn Kittichaisombat (Thailand)
11. Hsiang Wei Chien (Chinese Taipei)
12. Việt Hoa Nguyễn (Vietnam)
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