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A clear direction for European refereeing 

Behind every successful competition stands a team of referees ensuring fairness, precision, and integrity. As President of the EFC Referees Commission, Vilem Madr is the man defining how European refereeing continues to evolve. His vision is simple yet ambitious: 

“We have a team of competent referees in Europe, who continuously improve and provide the best service on the piste.” 

He explains that the Referees Commission is responsible for the overall strategy and development of referees. “To move closer to this ambition, we must actively search for and support new referees, take care of their education, and foster their motivation,” he says. “Referees need to see a clear path of what to do in order to grow.” 

Motivating and supporting the next generation 

One of the biggest challenges, Madr admits, is keeping young referees motivated at the start of their journey and ensuring that valuable know-how is passed on effectively. Recruiting from smaller federations also remains difficult, especially when trying to meet the high demand for qualified referees across all three weapons during Cadet and Junior European Championships. 

Recognising excellence 

This season marked the introduction of a new award honouring the best European referees — a first in the history of the EFC. 
“We introduced this award to recognise the best referees in Europe and to set a clear example for others to follow,” Madr says. “We hope it will inspire younger referees by showing them who they can learn from and push the experienced ones to show their best performance.” 
Only referees officiating at European Championships are eligible, adding extra motivation for those seeking nomination. 

The evaluation itself, Madr explains, is rigorous and balanced: “Referees are assessed on the correctness of their calls, rule application, gestures, rhythm of the match, communication, time management, and their ability to handle pressure. The process is carried out by several members of the Commission to ensure fairness and objectivity.” 

Raising standards through recognition and education 

For Madr, the impact of the award goes far beyond the podium. “It’s a commitment,” he notes. “Those who receive the award are expected to maintain that high standard in the future. And it also reminds the community of how much effort referees put into ensuring the best possible service on the piste.” 

Looking ahead, the Referees Commission is building its strategy around three core pillars: growth, quality, and cooperation. 

• Growth: encouraging a steady flow of new referees and monitoring the number of international licenses obtained. 

• Quality: developing education systems, seminars, and support structures for referees on the EFC Masterlist, focusing on rule interpretation, decision-making, and managing tense situations. 

• Cooperation: strengthening ties with national federations, athletes, and coaches to ensure shared understanding and common goals. 

The future of refereeing 

When asked about the evolution of refereeing in Europe, Madr remains confident in its essential role. “Referees will always be crucial for fencing,” he says. “Technology brings more observation and accountability, but also more tools to improve. I hope we will reach a point where communication and feedback between delegates and referees are completely open — and one day, perhaps, where technology fully replaces the paper scoresheet.” 

A shared responsibility 

Through his leadership, Vilem Madr continues to shape a culture of fair play, professionalism, and continuous improvement within European fencing. His approach reflects a simple but powerful truth: referees are not only guardians of the rules, but also essential contributors to the sport’s integrity and future.