Bangkok, Thailand, March 21, 2017 – English language deficiency plays a vital role in maximising AVC referees’ potentials, as emerging technology trends might be new sources for referee development.

Mr Songsak Chareonpong chaired the two-day AVC Referee Committee Meeting between March 18 and 19 at Dusit Princess Srinakarin Hotel here, with AVC President Dr Saleh A. Bin Nasser presiding over the opening. Also in attendance as guests of honour were FIVB and AVC Honorary Life President Mr Wei Jizhong, AVC Executive Vice Presidents Mr Essa Hamza and Madam Rita Subowo and AVC Secretary-General Mr Shanrit Wongprasert.

In his opening speech, Dr Saleh A. Bin Nasser sent a message to all AVC referees, citing that he has fully supported the work of the RC members with high hopes of seeing the AVC referees maintain the image of volleyball. He emphasized that the importance of roles and responsibilities of the referees and the RC is high since the AVC feature 65 affiliated national federations, the highest amount among all confederations.

“AVC are very happy to work closely with you all to maintain and improve our work. We should realise that even the smallest issue does matter because it, without proper solution, can turn into a big problem,” the AVC President said.

Mr Wei Jizhong also provided a clear message regarding the increasing difficulties of refereeing. He admitted that new technology trends are very important for referee development.

“You have to keep yourself updated at all times, or you will fall behind new technologies. The complex computer system called Hawk-eye proves to be a good sample of new technologies. With this technology, there is a clear decision that the referee or coach has made a mistake. So, it’s very common to say that without Hawk-eye, the referee is always wrong,” Mr Wei commented.

English language deficiency also plays havoc to improving development and communications to the AVC’s affiliated national federations. Madam Rita praised the AVC referees for their smooth run in AVC tournaments. However, she admitted that a lack of international referees in many national federations has turned out to become a serious issue for development of the referees.

“As far as I’m concerned, AVC referees are well-qualified, but a serious threat is they are facing the problem of English language deficiency despite the fact that they have abundant knowledge of the rules in the game,” Madam Rita expressed her point of view.

“I recommend that the AVC referees increase their English communication skill in all regulations and requirements in order that each of them can become an international referee. Furthermore, they should learn how to cope with E-learning because it provides a good platform which helps reduce the costs. The use of Hawk-eye has been increasingly popular in the other confederations and in other sports alike. If we can’t catch up with this new technology, I’m convinced our referees will be left behind,” she added.

During the meeting, approval of the Minutes of the previous AVC RC Meeting, reports on the decision of the 2016 AVC Board of Administration Meeting, the AVC RC’s annual report to the FIVB Referee Commission (presently changed to Rules of the Game and Refereeing Commission) as well as reports from Referee Delegates and Beach Volleyball Referee Delegates and Asian Referee Courses were also raised for discussion.