Futsal refs train in Helsinki

The massive development of futsal in recent years – prompted in part by UEFA's introduction of national-team and club competitions for the sport – has led the European body to give close attention to the training and promotion of referees in the small-sided game.

Crucial tips
Nearly 40 of Europe's top futsal match officials are in Helsinki, Finland, this week for the third UEFA Course for Futsal Referees, giving them crucial tips on how to prepare properly and officiate efficiently as futsal continues to evolve. UEFA has recognised the specificity of futsal as a sport so feels it must address the various target groups within the game's development – including the referees and their education.

Free-flowing game
Two referees, one timekeeper and one third official are needed in futsal to ensure that matches are free-flowing and played in the right spirit. As futsal is played indoors, there are considerable differences between refereeing a futsal match and an eleven-a-side game. Futsal officials have been likened to basketball referees in terms of their activity during a match, as well as in their flexibility, positioning, visual concentration on the game and also on the second match official.

Proper fitness training
Consequently, futsal referees must have the proper fitness training to get into the best possible viewing angle to take the appropriate decision. They require speed and agility – it helps their positioning, co-ordination, concentration and self-confidence. Werner Helsen, UEFA's referee fitness expert, is putting the referees through their paces in a fitness test at the Esport Arena in Espoo. Other items on the agenda include dealing with red and yellow cards, reading the game, and positioning and movement.

UEFA contribution
Futsal is becoming an important entity in its own right, and UEFA's contribution has been significant. The inaugural UEFA European Futsal Championship took place in 1999, before the UEFA Futsal Cup for clubs was launched in the 2001/02 season. Qualifying for the first UEFA European Under-21 Futsal Tournament starts next month with the finals to follow in Russia in December. As futsal standards have progressed, so referees are striving to improve their own performances.