Considering the large-scale military aggression from Russia, this year's training sessions for referees of the UPL were decided to be held not in Turkey as usual, but on Ukrainian territory — in Uzhhorod, from February 20th to 25th.

Photo by the press service of the UAFA

In the NTZ, 22 referees and 48 assistants participated. The instructors were authoritative members of the Referees Committee of the Ukrainian Football Association (UFA), whose group was led by the head of the committee Luciano Luca and the UFA's chief referee expert Nicola Rizzoli. In their speeches before the start of the camp, leading experts asked to honor a moment of silence for those heroes who gave their lives for Ukraine's independence, thanked the Armed Forces of Ukraine for their resilience, and wished them as quick a victory over the occupiers as possible.

Photo by the press service of the UAFA

In addition to checking knowledge of the Laws of the Game, a physical fitness test and daily two-hour training sessions on synthetic turf were scheduled. The NTZ program also included theoretical classes covering various aspects of refereeing (handball, stopping obvious goal-scoring opportunities, violent conduct, reckless challenges, simulation, etc.). Each such aspect of officiating consisted of a brief introductory part, video tests, group work with video clips and general discussions on those episodes where the greatest inconsistency in responses was revealed.

Photo by the press service of the UAFA

It is also worth noting that similar work was carried out separately for referees and assistant referees. Of course, for the latter, topics were more specific and related directly to the activities of linesmen. Special attention was paid to the new interpretation of rebounds and intentional play in connection with punishment for being "offside."

Photo by the press service of the UAFA

During classes, Nicola Rizzoli repeatedly emphasized to NTZ participants the importance of decision-making by main referees. "The role of a modern referee, as it was 10 years ago, is to make decisions on the field. You don't need to wait for help from VAR or expect technology to make decisions for you. You must act as a leader and not wait!" — stressed the UFA's chief referee expert.

"For referees and assistant referees of the UPL, the sessions held in Zakarpattia are an additional incentive to absorb maximum knowledge and successful experience from top FIFA referee Nicola Rizzoli, who has proven himself as a true friend of Ukraine. I hope this will inspire our specialists for new high achievements, which today is being written by their colleague — Kateryna Monzul. Kasia herself is now in New Zealand, where she worked on matches of the playoff qualification for the Women's World Cup 2023 and is undergoing preparation for work at the finals, which will take place in July-August in Australia and New Zealand," — noted Andriy Pyvovarov, president of the UFA and UEFA Executive Committee member.