More than 200 people attended FISav's English seminar ©FISav

The International Savate Federation (FISav) has held a series of online seminars in English and French for judges and referees, with 350 people from 40 countries registering.

Through its Arbitrage Development Strategy - which looks to increase the participation of women, young people and those from newer National Federations - the seminars have been created since the initiative was approved in 2017.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, FISav organised in-person seminars for National Federations but with current travel and social restrictions worldwide, the meetings have instead been organised online.

The seminars are used to maintain interest and skills, particularly for less-experienced officials.

They cover foundational skills such as ethics, teamwork and sport rules, as well as the specific knowledge and skills necessary for judging and refereeing in savate.

Savate techniques were covered in the judging and officiating seminars ©FISav
Savate techniques were covered in the judging and officiating seminars ©FISav

The first seminar was hosted by Julie Gabriel, President of FISav, and presented by Maja Odzic, the chair of the Officials Commission.

More than 200 people from 32 countries attended this seminar in English, with another 150, mainly from Africa, expected to attend the seminars in French.

FISav has outlined the benefits of hosting the online seminars - mentioning the low cost and accessibility.

It also expressed the sustainability benefits of reducing unnecessary air travel.

FISav also plans to increase the resources available on its website in several languages, including English, French, Chinese, Russian, Serbian and Spanish.