13—17 February in Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine, a training and refresher course for referees of the Ukrainian Premier League was organized by the Union of Football Associations (UFA) Referees Committee. The event aimed to prepare officials for the second part of the 2025/2026 season in line with FIFA, UEFA, and UFA's current requirements.

The program included theoretical training, practical sessions, psychological work, and mandatory fitness testing.

Photo: Dan Balashov

On the first day of the training and refresher course, referees and assistants took a pedagogical test that included checking their knowledge of the rules and UEFA's video test. A separate block was dedicated to psychological preparation — "Psychology of Error," aimed at increasing resilience in stressful situations during matches.

Photo: Dan Balashov

Throughout the entire course, participants underwent individual functional training aimed at maintaining their physical fitness.

The key topics of theoretical sessions were:

— modern interpretation of handball according to FIFA, UEFA, and UFA requirements;

— making important decisions in the penalty area;

— evaluating infringements based on criteria of obviousness, unsporting behavior, and excessive force application;

— handling simulations, delays, and improper use of hands;

— modern interpretation of the "out of play" position according to IFAB, FIFA, and UEFA recommendations.

Photo: Dan Balashov

Special modules were dedicated to teamwork among referees and assistants, position selection, and maintaining concentration throughout the match.

A significant part of the program focused on working with the video assistant referee (VAR) system. Participants received recommendations regarding:

— using VAR in matches under UFA's auspices;

— adhering to the VAR protocol;

— communication and announcing decisions after reviewing potentially important episodes;

— interacting with VAR operators.

Photo: Dan Balashov

Within the course, working meetings with representatives of Ukrainian Premier League clubs were also held to align approaches in handling contentious episodes and ensure transparency of arbitration decisions for the second part of the season.

Photo: Dan Balashov

A separate block was dedicated to issues of fair play and interaction with UFA disciplinary bodies.

The concluding element of the training and refresher course was taking a mandatory fitness test at the training facility. Successful completion of the test is a prerequisite for officiating matches.