The Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) has announced the selection of two promising officiating representatives from Antigua & Barbuda to participate in its highly anticipated 2026 Beach Volleyball Referee Course, marking a key milestone for the nation’s volleyball development agenda.
This competitive selection process drew applications from dozens of aspiring volleyball officials across 11 member territories of the ECVA, with the two Antigua & Barbuda candidates standing out for their demonstrated on-court experience, thorough understanding of international volleyball rules, and commitment to advancing the sport at both the grassroots and regional levels. The specialized training course, scheduled to kick off in early 2026, is designed to elevate the standard of officiating across the Eastern Caribbean by providing participants with advanced instruction on match management, conflict resolution, adaptive rule interpretation for beach volleyball’s unique outdoor conditions, and modern referee fitness standards.
Local volleyball governing bodies in Antigua & Barbuda have welcomed the announcement, noting that the opportunity will not only boost the professional development of the two selected officials but also create long-term benefits for domestic beach volleyball competitions. By gaining international-level certification and training, the officials will bring back updated knowledge and best practices to train newer local referees, strengthening the overall officiating ecosystem in the country. For the ECVA, the initiative aligns with its broader strategic goal of growing beach volleyball as a popular recreational and competitive sport across the Caribbean, building a pipeline of qualified officials to support upcoming regional tournaments, including qualifiers for the Central American and Caribbean Games and FIVB international events.