In a strategic move aimed at accelerating the pace of digital transformation in the Saudi sports sector, the Board of Directors of the Saudi Referees Association announced the adoption of technical linking with four major sports federations, during its second meeting held (remotely) under the chairmanship of Mr. Marai Al-Awaji and with the full attendance of the Board members.
This initiative is one of the association's most significant achievements in recent years and aligns directly with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 , which prioritizes digital transformation and the development of the sports sector. The Kingdom seeks to build a comprehensive and modern sports system capable of competing globally, and developing the refereeing system is a cornerstone in achieving this goal, as it contributes to raising the level of transparency, fairness, and efficiency in managing sports competitions.
Technical details and its importance
The technical integration decision included the basketball, swimming, handball, and volleyball federations. This project aims to unify and integrate the refereeing systems of these federations with the central systems of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Through this integration, a central database of referees will be created, facilitating their appointment to matches and enabling accurate and systematic monitoring and evaluation of their performance, thus reducing human error and enhancing the integrity of competitions.
Expected impact on the sports scene
Domestically, this transformation is expected to revolutionize refereeing, positively impacting the quality of local leagues and tournaments and increasing the confidence of clubs and fans in referee decisions. Regionally and internationally, adopting the latest technologies in refereeing management will enhance the Kingdom's position as a leading sports hub in the region and enable its referees to participate effectively and competently in major international events. Furthermore, a sophisticated technological infrastructure is a prerequisite for hosting major international tournaments.
During the meeting, the association's president expressed his gratitude to the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee for its ongoing support and attention to the association's needs, which contributes to its development. The council also reviewed its strategy for the next two years, which focuses on enhancing the efficiency of the refereeing system through advanced training programs and strategic partnerships. In this context, the meeting concluded with an important recommendation to establish a cooperation agreement with the Saudi Association for Sports Management to organize scientific events, lectures, and conferences, with the aim of exchanging expertise and strengthening institutional relationships to benefit the refereeing sector in the Kingdom.
