There was a time when a referee’s nomination could be viewed through the lens of gender rather than merit. Some women referees found themselves having to prove they belonged, overcoming the perception that they had been nominated simply because they were women.
More than two decades later, that perception has changed.
At the 2026 World ParaVolley Sitting Volleyball World Championships in Hangzhou, the eight women nominated to the officiating team, comprising seven referees and one referee coach, represent more than the continued growth of women in World ParaVolley sitting volleyball refereeing. They reflect how the role of women has evolved, from simply being represented to becoming trusted leaders responsible for refereeing the sport’s biggest matches and developing the next generation of international officials.
Few have witnessed that change more closely than referee coach Sari Mannersuo of Finland.
Mannersuo completed her international referee course in 2002 before going on to referee at five Paralympic Games. She later became a referee coach, taking on a new responsibility of mentoring and evaluating referees at the highest level of the sport. Throughout her career, she has watched the number of women steadily increase, but more importantly, she has seen their responsibilities grow alongside it.
“The most important thing is to trust yourself,” Mannersuo said. “Learn the rules, keep studying, observe experienced referees whenever you can and never stop learning.”
Those words are echoed in different ways by the seven women referees working alongside her in Hangzhou. Although they come from different countries and backgrounds, every one of them has followed a unique path to the World Championships.
Abra Mostafavi never imagined that sitting volleyball would shape her life.
Already involved in volleyball, her perspective changed when her daughter was born with a disability. Sitting volleyball introduced her to a community that eventually became part of her everyday life and led her into refereeing.
“When my daughter was born with a disability, everything changed,” Mostafavi said. “I had been involved in volleyball, but I decided to dedicate myself to sitting volleyball instead. Since then, I’ve fallen in love with the sport and with the people in our community.”
She believes the strength of sitting volleyball lies in the people around it. In Iran, regular domestic competitions allow referees to gain valuable experience, while experienced officials help guide those hoping to reach the international level. That support has encouraged her to invite more women into the sport.
“If you love this sport and want to support people with disabilities, I encourage you to join us,” she said. “Sitting volleyball is one big family, and we would be very happy to welcome more women into our community.”
Shaine Sylvia Gimbo arrived at sitting volleyball through a different route.
A former volleyball player, she moved into refereeing after retiring from competition before discovering sitting volleyball. Today, she is Uganda’s only female sitting volleyball referee and is helping develop the discipline in her country alongside a small group of colleagues.
Being nominated for the World Championships has reinforced what she believes is possible, not only for herself but for other women across Africa.
“Being here at the World Championships is a huge opportunity for me, especially as a woman from Africa,” Gimbo said. “I’ve been surrounded by experienced referees who have been incredibly supportive, and I’ve also seen just how many outstanding female referees there are. Every day has been a learning experience, and it has encouraged me to keep pushing and keep improving.”
Marie-Claude Richer sees another side of that progress.
When she completed her international referee course in 2012, Canada was preparing a new generation of referees following the retirement of senior officials. More than a decade later, she believes seeing women referee at World Championships and the Paralympic Games is important because visibility creates opportunity.
“It’s important for women to see female referees working important matches because it shows that reaching the highest level is possible,” Richer said. “When women see other women refereeing at the biggest competitions, it encourages them to believe they can do the same.”
She also believes opportunities should always be earned.
“Like every sport, women should be represented because it is also their sport. If women and men have the same quality, they should have the same opportunities to referee matches.”
That confidence is shared by Slovenia’s Špela Plešnik.
Working at the World Championships is another milestone in a career that includes the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. She says refereeing at the highest level demands composure above everything else, regardless of whether the match involves men’s or women’s teams.
“Being here among the world’s top referees is a huge achievement for me and a great honour. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity,” Plešnik said.
Asked about refereeing men’s matches, her answer was straightforward.
“You can manage those matches with calmness and confidence. If you have those qualities, you can achieve everything.”
Kateryna Hranko’s career started with a question.
A fellow referee once asked why Ukraine, despite having successful sitting volleyball teams, did not have an international referee. The question stayed with her and eventually led her towards the international pathway.
Today, Hranko describes sitting volleyball as one of the most demanding disciplines a referee can manage.
“Standing volleyball is like driving a fast car on the highway. Sitting volleyball is like Formula One. It’s not only about knowing the rules. You have to understand the flow of the match, read the players and feel the atmosphere because even the smallest change can affect the game.”
She believes the referee’s uniform also carries a responsibility beyond the individual wearing it.
“The moment we put on the referee uniform, something changes. We are no longer only women, mothers, sisters or daughters. We become officials representing our continent, World ParaVolley and our sport. At that moment, our responsibility is much bigger than ourselves.”
Christina Fiebich’s perspective comes from years as both a player and a referee.
A former Division I volleyball player in the United States, she discovered sitting volleyball later in life and was immediately struck by both the speed of the game and the determination of the athletes.
“The first time I saw sitting volleyball, I was immediately fascinated. It is incredibly challenging, even more demanding than the standing game, and it really captured my imagination. Working with these athletes has also been inspiring. Their resilience, their passion and the way they overcome challenges remind us that there is very little we cannot overcome ourselves.”
She encourages aspiring women referees to remain open to learning throughout their careers.
“The most important thing is to believe in yourself. As women, we’re going to receive a lot of feedback, and not all of it will be the same. You have to learn what will help you grow and become the official you want to be. At the same time, you have to be willing to learn from everyone around you.”
Krisztina Árpás has watched the community grow alongside the sport.
Over the years, sitting volleyball has given her friendships that extend far beyond the court, connecting referees, players and team staff from around the world.
“Sitting volleyball has given me lifelong friendships, not only with fellow referees, but also with players and team staff. More importantly, it has taught me that everyone can accept and support one another. That is one of the greatest values of our sport.”
She has also seen more women joining the international referee team, something she believes has strengthened the sport.
“It’s wonderful to see more women referees at every tournament. World ParaVolley is making a real effort to support women’s participation, and we’re seeing those numbers continue to grow. Women are showing that they have the knowledge and ability to referee at the highest level.”
This is the story of eight women with eight different journeys.
Some found sitting volleyball through family. Others arrived after playing careers, through mentors or by accepting opportunities they never expected would shape their futures. Different paths brought them to Hangzhou, but the destination is the same.
Years ago, some women referees found themselves having to overcome the perception that they were nominated simply because they were women. Today, the eight women standing courtside at the World Championships tell a different story. They are there because they have earned the trust to be there.
