IFSO

22/05/2026

What do the Council of Europe, Afcam , FIDE - International Chess Federation, European Rowing, FISU, FFT - Fédération Française de Tennis, IOC, Vrije Universiteit Brussels and the Spanish Olympic Committee have in common on 12 June?

They will all be in Ville d'Orléans to discuss the future of officiating.

The IFSO International Event will bring together experts, institutions, federations and referees from different sports and countries around three major themes:
⚖️ Gender Equality in Officiating
🌍 Diversity & Inclusion in Officiating
🧠 Psychology & Performance

An opportunity to discover inspiring initiatives, exchange experiences and build new international connections within the officiating community.

And because great discussions do not only happen on stage:
🤝 Networking lunch
🏛️ Free guided city tour of Orléans

Practical information:
🚆 Less than 1 hour from Paris
🚶 All venues within 10 minutes walking distance from the train station

Suggested trains:
➡️ Paris → Orléans: 08:22 or 09:12
⬅️ Orléans → Paris: 16:26 or 16:41

📅 12 June 2026
📍 Orléans, France

Register here:
https://d4345c41.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAPrOnkHvSt1geMDzrZN3Il-xVps25Af_rjHtqmuAYHpQyaZ9a2jjlRnpJImo8t2cZy7-xPdaiYvj7rGKqZuRheG9qllBuTIKQly_1mKmPtluYlaHZs6Xiio0r25kLPT9A_eIBzvp0lNXY5YjjbEdy-0ljhXqfquCiyKAJsw16Mk75irE6EXHMlYfMri7UX8QuuPIAzGqRoAljg==

12/05/2026

YouRef ef is a European co-funded initiative bringing together organisations committed to developing refereeing.

Its goal: provide concrete tools to support young referees.

Link: sportacademy.com/product/basic-course-for-sports-officials/

29/04/2026

Training is essential.
But supporting referees over time is what really matters.

YouRef offers a comprehensive approach:
✔ attract
✔ support
✔ retain

Access to the course:

20/04/2026

Join us in Orléans on 12 June for the IFSO General Assembly and a unique day dedicated to refereeing.

Located less than one hour from Paris by train, Orléans offers a simple and efficient experience — with all venues within a 10-minute walk from the station.

The day is designed to combine content and connections:
• A networking lunch bringing together participants from across the sport ecosystem
• A free guided city tour of Orléans, organised in cooperation with the City

In the afternoon (13:30–16:00), round tables will feature key actors:

• Council of Europe
• AFCAM on gender equality in refereeing
• French Tennis Federation
• and Experts in sport psychology on decision-making and pressure

Recommended travel options allow for a one-day participation:
– Departure from Paris at 08:22 or 09:12
– Return from Orléans at 16:26 or 16:41

Working language: English

A focused, international, and accessible event for anyone involved in refereeing or sport governance.

Register: https://d4345c41.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAPrOnkHvSt1geMDzrZN3Il-xVps25Af_rjHtqmuAYHpQyaZ9a2jjlRnpJImo8t2cZy7-xPdaiYvj7rGKqZuRheG9qllBuTIKQly_1mKmPtluYlaHZs6Xiio0r25kLPT9A_eIBzvp0lNXY5YjjbEdy-0ljhXqfquCiyKAJsw16Mk75irE6EXHMlYfMri7UX8QuuPIAzGqRoAljg==

17/04/2026

There is a growing concern across sports: fewer young referees.

But the real issue is not recruitment.
👉 It’s retention.

The YouRef programme provides practical tools to address both.

🔗 Access the course https://sportacademy.com/product/basic-course-for-sports-officials/

01/04/2026

We often think we understand refereeing.
But moving forward requires real input.

Two surveys are currently open:

YASO
→ for all referees
2–3 minutes
Link: https://forms.gle/pUMj8UiusqJ7BmRK7

REFS
→ for young referees aged 14–20 only
4–5 minutes
Links:
English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/REFS
Dutch: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/REFS?lang=nl
French: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/REFS?lang=fr
Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/REFS?lang=es

Please respond if relevant,
and share with the right people.

26/03/2026

We often say: “There is a referee shortage.”

But shortage is not the problem.
Attrition is.

The REFS European survey examines:
– Motivation to begin refereeing
– Barriers faced by young referees
– Current experiences
– Future intentions

If we want sustainable officiating structures, we need evidence-based decisions.

Federations, referee commissions, education departments:
Mobilise your young referees aged 14–20.

Deadline: 31 March 2026
Survey in 4 languages.
EN: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/REFS
FR: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/REFS?lang=fr
NL: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/REFS?lang=nl
ES: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/REFS?lang=es

The next generation of referees will not stay because we hope.
They will stay because we adapt.

24/03/2026

Two surveys on refereeing are currently open as part of European projects.

They target different audiences:

YASO
→ for all referees, regardless of age or level
Duration: 2–3 minutes
Link: https://forms.gle/pUMj8UiusqJ7BmRK7

REFS
→ only for young referees aged 14–20
Duration: 4–5 minutes
Links:
English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/REFS
Dutch: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/REFS?lang=nl
French: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/REFS?lang=fr
Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/REFS?lang=es

The goal is to better understand experiences and identify concrete actions for the future.

If you are concerned, please respond.
And please share with the right people before April 10.

23/03/2026

Education leaders:
Are your referees equipped with structured foundations?

The Basic Course for Sports Officials (in English) can support your training pathway.

Accessible. Clear. International.

More information:
https://sportacademy.com/product/basic-course-for-sports-officials/

02/03/2026

Remember...You are 16.
You referee your first match.
You take a decision.
Someone disagrees. Loudly.

Why did you start?
Why do you stay?
What almost made you quit?

The European REFS project is launching a survey for young referees and judges aged 14–20 across all sports and all countries.

Not to judge you.
To understand you.

Motivation. Barriers. Experiences. Future intentions.
Your answers will shape recommendations for schools, clubs and federations across Europe.

Available in English, French, Dutch and Spanish.
Deadline: 31 March 2026.

EN: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/REFS
FR: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/REFS?lang=fr
NL: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/REFS?lang=nl
ES: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/REFS?lang=es

Refereeing does not improve because adults talk about it.
It improves when young referees speak.

Motivations and barriers around the recruitment and retention of young sport officials in Europe