Moen making swift strides
Wednesday, May 4, 2005
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At the age of 26, Svein Oddvar Moen is the youngest referee at the UEFA European Under-17 Championship.
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By Paul Saffer in Tirrenia
Referees as well as players take their first step on the international ladder at the UEFA European Under-17 Championship, and like those competing in Tuscany, some of the officials start young.
Tangible delight
Norwegian referee Svein Oddvar Moen is just 26. On Thursday he will take charge when Switzerland face the Netherlands in a crucial Group B game in San Giuliano Terme. And his delight at having an opportunity to show what he can do is tangible.
'First appointment'
"This is my first year on the FIFA list, and I am only in my second season in the Norwegian top division," he told uefa.com. "I have been the fourth official for UEFA Cup matches this year. I didn't do any of the mini-tournaments - I was only on the induction course for FIFA referees in Nice in February and this is my first appointment."
'Big tournament'
Moen, who has also been a fourth official at FIFA World Cup qualifiers, is enjoying the experience so far. "This is a very big tournament for me, I am very excited to be here," he said. "It is fantastic to be in Italy - we are in a very nice hotel, there is very good food, and there are some very good matches. I was in Finland last year for an U17 tournament and it was a great experience with some great games, a really good learning period for me.
International exchange
"It is a good experience to meet referees from different countries and from some of the smaller countries," he added. "We do things differently, and we can learn from each other."
Swift rise
He has benefited from a swift rise in his home country. "I started refereeing when I was 16. I was promoted in Norway very quickly, and 2002 was my first year in the senior ranks."
'Very hard'
Thanks to that fast progress, the sky could be the limit if Moen continues to meet required standards. "I am very happy to be here so young - I am only 26 years old so I have a lot of time!" he said. "It is also very important for me to do well straight away - if you are not good enough, the job is very hard, and if I don't do well I am out."
