UEFA referee seminars in Nyon

UEFA's comprehensive referee development programme continues apace with two courses in Nyon, Switzerland, this week.

Inaugural seminar
The inaugural Seminar for UEFA Category 2 Referees takes place at UEFA's headquarters from 27 to 29 April, and will be attended by referees who are either already established and experienced, or newer to the FIFA list and gradually earning their international spurs through officiating at top international matches, for example in the UEFA Cup.

Packed agenda
This second-category referee course will include a fitness test, video analysis of match situations, a review of recent instructions given to UEFA referees, how to deal with success and disappointment, and UEFA administrative issues for referees.

Talents and mentors
From 29 April to 1 May, Europe's up-and-coming young match officials will come to Nyon for the 9th Seminar for UEFA Referee and Assistant Referee Talents and Mentors. A key feature of the UEFA referee development activities has been the talents and mentors scheme, whereby promising officials are given expert guidance by experienced former European referees to help them prepare for, and cope with, the demands placed on them in modern football.

Profiting from experience
UEFA feels that young referees can benefit from the wisdom of colleagues who have served as match officials at top international levels themselves. The programme has been in operation since 2001, and has already proved its worth with many graduates going on to take charge of European games at the highest level.

Constant contact
The mentors remain in constant contact with their referees by email or phone, and by either visiting them or inviting them to the mentors' respective countries. Their discussions focus on on-field performances as well as on matters such as diet, social and private conduct and improving communication in English – now the common language of refereeing at UEFA level.

Practical training session
The latest seminar will cover a practical training session, as well as a presentation on the mental elements of teamwork, referee observer issues and a review of UEFA referee instructions.