Futsal referees meet in Nyon

Europe's leading Futsal referees meet at UEFA's headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland on Wednesday for the inaugural UEFA course for specialists in this field. The European body is holding the seminar over the next two days as the latest step in its ambitious and far-sighted programme to develop the entire refereeing sector across the continent.

Futsal referees' role
UEFA has recently held seminars for the élite men and women referees, in which discussions have centred on issues such as uniform application of the Laws of the Game. Now, it is the turn of the Futsal referees to debate their role in a rapidly developing area of the game. UEFA has introduced European Futsal national team and club competitions in recent years as the sport has become increasingly popular.

Sharp contrast
Two referees and timekeepers are needed in Futsal to ensure the action flows smoothly and the game is played in the right spirit. With the matches usually played indoor, the experience of refereeing the game sharply contrasts with its older, eleven-a-side brother.

Mobile and concentrated
The top Futsal referees also say that, mentally, their game is completely different, because of the closeness of the crowd and the shorter time to rest. Given the smaller playing area and the speed involved, the Futsal referee must also be mobile, keeping up with play while staying out of the way.

Training session
The Nyon seminar will look at referees’ interpretation of Futsal's laws, and the referees will hold discussion groups to discuss various issues linked to their role. They will also undertake a training session with UEFA's referee training and fitness expert, Werner Helsen.