FIVB's Bradbury helping to bring referee development to life

The visit of the highly-respected international referee, FIVB Rules of the Game Commission Expert and referee mentor marked the start of a targeted project designed to help officials deliver consistently high-quality performances in top leagues in England.

The Canadian will aim to strengthen decision-making accuracy, confidence and resilience, through an ongoing structured development programme. 

The project is bringing together NRDP referees to combine personalised coaching, self-assessment, tailored development planning and group learning. 

Referees will use the Referee Self-Assessment Profile, created by Guy, to identify strengths and development areas, forming the basis of individual Personal Development Plans and ongoing coaching support.  

At Super League Opening Weekend, Guy observed referee teams in action and led post-match review sessions. 

Using the FIVB approach to observation and feedback, officials worked collaboratively to analyse performance, share learning and identify development opportunities in a positive and supportive environment.  

The visit also provided an opportunity for NRDP referees to engage with international best practice, and Volleyball England is looking forward to seeing the impact of the programme as officials continue their development journey over the coming months. 

Gillian Harrison, Volleyball England Strategic Manager explained that without FIVB Empowerment Funding this pioneering project would not be possible. 

“FIVB’s funding has enabled us to work with world-renowned referee development expert Guy Bradbury and bring him to England to work directly with our referees," she said. 

“At the heart of this bespoke approach is the sophisticated Referee Self-Assessment Profile developed by Guy Bradbury.

“It enables referees to reflect on their strengths and development needs, providing the foundation for personalised coaching and a development plan shaped around their ambitions and stage of development. 

“This is what makes FIVB’s investment so valuable: it allows us to move beyond a standard programme and offer meaningful, individual support to help each referee progress.” 

If you would like to find out how top become a referee, click here.