The youngest referee at #EuroVolley on the challenges of the profession
Story of the day
Volleyball players are always in fans’ spotlight, especially during big competitions such the one of CEV Euro Volley 2021. But there are also people who have all eyes on them during matches. And while stars deliver the rallies, these professionals are in charge of taking important decisions.
What does it mean to be on the referee chair, officiating matches of such an importance? And what does this profession give you? The youngest referee at both #EuroVolleyM and #EuroVolleyW, the Bulgarian Atanas Varbanov has a lot to say about it.
“I used to play Volleyball in my hometown, Kazanlak. By that time, we didn’t have much of traditions in the sport, but we had the passion. I didn’t grow much taller, so with the time passing, it was clear that I wouldn’t become a player. I heard once my former coach talking to another guy of the team, a good friend of mine, sharing the idea of him becoming a referee. I took it kind of personally, why didn’t the coach approached me with this idea? Hadn’t I the right qualities? So, because of my highly competitive nature, I went into that direction and discovered the referee profession.”
For 37-year-old Atanas, the youngest referee in both #EuroVolleyW and #EuroVolleyM 2021, the journey to the international stage took around 10 years - starting from the lowest division in his home country Bulgaria, to eventually joining a course for international referees in Turkey.
“It was actually a bit of happy coincidence that I could join this exact course, because it was the last one for the next four years,” Atanas says.
Varbanov is excited to be officiating matches from Pool D of the #EuroVolleyM, and delves into what it means being a referee.
Atanas Varbnov“It is far more complex than just going on the matchday to the court and refereeing the match. It’s a longer process, takes preparation and the right mindset during and after/before matches. Your approach should be to remain focused, and adaptive, flexible. Besides of knowing the rules, you need to be able to feel the situations, the people.”
International referee
Discussing about reaching excellence in the profession, the Bulgarian referee does not forget to put emphasis on the importance of making a competition with oneself.
“If you just go to the match, and forget about the passion that you put into your work, you are done. You always have to try becoming a better version of yourself. Of course, we all have had our difficult moments, and will have them. But what is important is to also being able to think ahead. If you remain stuck in thinking about the past rally, you might lose the action from the next one. You shall improve, while keep on going ahead.”
Finding the right balance, in order to achieve this better version, is crucial. For Atanas, it includes staying in shape both mentally, and physically.
Atanas Varbanov“It is no news or secret, but before matches, you need to find your routine - stretching, exercises, knowing also when to give yourself a rest in order to recharge the battery”.
International referee
Officiating the men’s Volleyball final of the 2019 European Youth Olympic Festival was a good moment for Atanas to create a new competition with himself, a challenge and a great memory and recognition and the same time.
Atanas Varbanov“I was happy and thankful that I was given this opportunity. I dream of someday being able to go to the Olympics and officiating a match there.”
International referee
And while the referees at #EuroVolleyM are focused on delivering a high-quality job, the teams keep on fighting in the pool stage. On Monday, Slovakia recorded their first victory in Pool D, while the Olympic champions from France proved better in the derby against Germany.
