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President of the FIVB Refereeing and Rules of the Games Commission, Guillermo Enrique Paredes of Argentina, was the Course Director
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The course is in line with CAVB’s strategic human resources plan, which aims to ensure that each of its 54 NFs has at least one internationally certified referee
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CAVB President Bouchra Hajij said, “over the past eight days, we have witnessed a profound commitment to the sport of volleyball, underscored by the dedication, hard work, and resilience demonstrated by each and every participant.”
The Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) and the FIVB organised a week-long FIVB International Referee Candidate Course held in Sale, Morocco from 7 July to 15 July.
The development course, which featured 25 national referees drawn from 21 African countries, was facilitated by Guillermo Enrique Paredes from Argentina, who is the President of the FIVB Refereeing and Rules of the Games Commission. He was assisted by Donald Guy Bradbury from Canada, an esteemed FIVB Instructor.
A total of four female referees and 21 male referees attended the course that is a key component of the CAVB’s strategic human resources plan, which aims to ensure that each of its 54 National Federations has at least one internationally certified referee.
Participants attending the course engaged in both theory and practical lessons all week, with some of the topics discussed including smooth refereeing, decision making, scoring method, current international scoresheet run by VolleyStation, and the Challenge System.
The closing ceremony was held on Sunday at the CAVB headquarters in Rabat after the referees had taken their theory and practical examinations. The colourful ceremony was presided over by CAVB President Bouchra Hajij.
Some of the participants of the FIVB International Referee Candidate Course held in Sale, Morocco pose for a photo after a practical session.
In 2021, five volleyball referees were upgraded to FIVB “C” referees in Mexico, with seven more set to attend a similar course in Bulgaria at the end of August. Additionally, five African beach volleyball referees successfully completed their FIVB grading course in Thailand in November and are now included on the prestigious FIVB referees list.
“One of the strategic objectives of the CAVB Board upon assumption of office was to reduce the number of countries without international referees. I am glad to report that this objective has been met, marking a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to elevate the standards of volleyball officiating across Africa.
“I would like to extend my profound gratitude to the FIVB President, Dr. Ary Graca, for his unwavering commitment to the development of volleyball in Africa. His vision and support have been instrumental in making this course a reality. Our heartfelt thanks also go to the FIVB General Director, Fabio Azevedo, and his exceptional team in the Development Department, led by Steve Tutton. Your tireless efforts and guidance have ensured the success of this course, providing us with the necessary resources and support,” said Bouchra Hajij.
Course Director Guillermo Enrique Paredes (second left) gives instructions to participants during the FIVB International Referee Candidate Course held in Sale, Morocco.
Course Director Guillermo Enrique Paredes urged the participants to start small by launching their careers as international referees through CAVB age-group competitions.
“This course is very important for sure. It is almost historic because of the number of countries participating in a continental course. The goal of Madam President (Bouchra Hajij) is for every country in Africa to have the possibility to have an international referee. The next step for them after passing their exams is to start practising as international referees within Africa that is in CAVB senior or junior competitions,” said Paredes.
