Bangkok, Thailand, May 25, 2009 -- The FIVB is pleased to announce that the International Referee Candidate Course organized by the Thailand Volleyball Federation is under way at the Thailand FIVB Volleyball Development Centre in Bangkok.

Twenty-seven participants, including five women, are taking part in the course, which is primarily targeted at Asian countries lacking in international referees.

The May 23-29 course is being led by Course Director and FIVB Referee Commission member Songsak Chareonpong and FIVB instructor and Rules of the Game Commission member Jean-Claude Baccus. Also in attendance are Development Centre Director Chai Nimakorn and Thailand Volleyball Federation General Secretary Shanrit Wongprasert.

Participants will undergo extensive training on both the theoretical and practical level, with lessons ranging from how to referee a match to filling in score sheets. A final exam is scheduled for the end of the course period.

"We are delighted to have 27 enthusiastic participants with us," said Chareonpong. "The skills and knowledge they will gather here is certain to help raise the level not only of the officiating but also of the game itself throughout Asia."