FIVB rules chief Paredes leads refresher course for Philippine volleyball referees

A total of 34 referees, including eight international officials, are participating in a five-day refresher course in preparation for the country’s hosting of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship Philippines 2025. The program, led by Argentina’s Guillermo Paredes, president of the FIVB Rules and Refereeing Commission, runs until Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Organized by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), the course aims to ensure world-class officiating for the prestigious event, which will feature 32 of the world’s best teams competing at Smart Araneta Coliseum and SM Mall of Asia Arena from September 12 to 28.

PNVF commits to top-level officiating

PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara emphasized the importance of preparing the country’s referees to meet international standards.

PHILIPPINE National Volleyball Federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara (left) introduces president Guillermo Paredes to the course participants.

“We want to assure that proper officiating will be imposed during the matches with 32 of the world’s best teams competing in two venues,” Suzara said. “This is the world championship, that’s why we have to make it the best.”

Suzara also expressed gratitude to FIVB for sending Paredes as the lead instructor.

“He is providing our referees advanced knowledge on how to officiate the matches properly,” he said.

Comprehensive training for elite officiating

The refresher course covers essential aspects of modern volleyball officiating, including:

Rules of the Game
Use of Technology in Volleyball
FIVB Video Challenge Regulations
Field of Play (FOP) Inspection and Set-up
FIVB Match Protocols
Practical Refereeing Applications

Referees will also officiate seven demonstration matches as part of their practical training, followed by evaluations to assess their readiness for the tournament.

Key officials join the initiative

Suzara, who also serves as FIVB Executive Vice President and Asian Volleyball Confederation president, personally attended the training alongside PNVF secretary-general Donaldo Caringal, PNVF chairman Dr. Arnel Hajan, and Referee and Rules of the Game chairman Yul Castillo Benosa.

As the Philippines gears up for its historic hosting of the world championship, the PNVF is taking all necessary steps to ensure that officiating standards meet the highest level of international competition.