Officiating at African level a defining moment

Officiating at one of the biggest stages in African beach volleyball was both an honour and a defining moment in my refereeing career.

I recently officiated at the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) Zone Six African Nations Championship (CAN) qualification tournament, which forms part of the road to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, as well as the third leg of the Zone Six Beach Volleyball Tour in Maputo, Mozambique.

Being selected as a referee for such prestigious events reflects the growth of beach volleyball in Namibia and the confidence the zone has in our officials.

The experience itself was intense, rewarding and highly educational. The level of competition was exceptionally high, demanding sharp decision-making, consistency and a deep understanding of the game.

It also provided a valuable opportunity to engage with the zone’s two top International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) beach volleyball referees, Enias Kondo and Elliot Mupariwa from Zimbabwe.

This allowed me to refine my skills and broaden my understanding of international officiating standards.

Representing Namibia at this level meant a great deal to me. It was not only a personal achievement, but also a moment of pride to carry the Namibian flag onto such a big stage.

It reaffirmed that our country is capable of producing officials who can perform confidently at elite events.

New beach volleyball rules

One of the key aspects of the tournaments was the implementation of the new beach volleyball rules. These updates required referees to be even more attentive and adaptable, particularly with coaches now allowed to be more involved during matches.

Applying these rules consistently was crucial in maintaining fairness and the flow of the game. While challenging at times, the experience enhanced my ability to interpret and enforce the evolving rules of the sport at a high level.

Overall, the experience strengthened my confidence and commitment to developing beach volleyball officiating in Namibia. I look forward to contributing further to the sport, both locally and internationally.

I thank CAVB Zone Six for the opportunity to officiate at the two events, and extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Namibia Volleyball Federation, as well as the Namibian beach volleyball family, for their superb support.

– Ndina Kasheeta is a CAVB-certified referee. The views expressed are her own.