The 2026-2027 Pre-Season A and B Classification Referee Development Seminar, organized by the Turkish Handball Federation's Central Referee and Observer Committee (MHGK) in Kızılcahamam, has come to a close. The three-day seminar brought together 42 referee pairs. The program included a review of the past season alongside training sessions aimed at standardizing refereeing decisions ahead of the new campaign.
Alongside theoretical instruction on the rules of the game and regulations, the seminar featured sessions designed to sharpen referees' ability to make correct calls under pressure. Short video clips covering progressive suspensions, seven-metre throws and attacking fouls from league matches were prepared by international referees Kürşat Erdoğan and İbrahim Özdeniz and presented to referees through interactive sessions. MHGK member Prof. Dr. Kenan Sivrikaya led the session on decision-making under stress and pressure, while MHGK members Ali Atalay and Fırat Beyde delivered a presentation on the implementation of MHGK decisions.
As part of the seminar, referees' knowledge, interpretation skills and physical fitness were assessed through three separate exams on the rules of the game and regulations, video analysis tests, and a shuttle-run physical fitness test. Federation Vice President Kenan Gökmen also attended the seminar and wished the referees success for the upcoming season.
Addressing the referees, MHGK President Faruk Akman said the training sessions were aimed at standardizing decisions and ensuring a common interpretation of the rules of the game. Akman added that the referees were well prepared for the new season and that the benefits of the work carried out would be evident throughout the campaign.
Referees Gear Up for New Season: Development Seminar Completed in Kızılcahamam
The Turkish Handball Federation's Central Referee and Observer Committee held a three-day development seminar in Kızılcahamam for A and B classification referees ahead of the 2026-2027 season.
In This Story
- The three-day MHGK seminar in Kızılcahamam was attended by 42 referee pairs.
- Alongside theoretical training, the seminar featured video analysis and physical fitness tests.
- MHGK President Faruk Akman stated the goal was to standardize refereeing decisions.
The institutionalization of referee development seminars marks a concrete step toward addressing the decision inconsistency that has been a point of debate in Turkish handball in recent years. The interactive video analysis sessions in particular aim to reduce differing interpretations behind split-second calls on court. The inclusion of physical fitness testing in the program underscores that refereeing is not just about rule knowledge but also directly tied to on-court performance. The continuity of such programs should have a direct positive impact on the overall quality of the league.