The Malta Handball Association (MHA) reaffirmed its commitment to raising officiating standards and supporting the continued development of the sport through the successful organisation of the MHA Officials Development Seminar 2026.
Held at the Institute of Physical Education and Sport, the seminar brought together 24 referees, delegates and table officials for two sessions dedicated to professional development, knowledge sharing and strengthening officiating practices within Maltese handball.
Taking place across Friday evening and Saturday morning, the seminar provided an opportunity for match officials to enhance their knowledge, exchange experiences and gain a deeper understanding of the standards and expectations required to support the continued growth of the sport.
The programme covered several key areas, including the Malta Handball Officiating Strategy, regulations and match management, performance criteria, and referee evaluation guidelines. Through a combination of presentations, interactive group work and open discussions, participants were encouraged to share perspectives, address practical challenges and explore ways of ensuring greater consistency and professionalism in officiating.
The sessions were delivered by Marylyn Agius, Daniel Lindberg and Matthew Mamo, who contributed their expertise and insights to the programme. Their involvement helped create a constructive learning environment, encouraging collaboration and continuous improvement among the officials present.
Speaking about the initiative, MHA President Vladimiro Comodini emphasised the importance of investing in the people who contribute to the organisation and delivery of handball competitions.
“Our officials are at the heart of every match, and investing in their development is investing in the game itself. This seminar is the first in a series of development activities through which the MHA will upskill our handball community: officials, coaches, administrators and volunteers alike. I thank everyone who took part for their commitment.”
The seminar represents an important step in the Association’s broader efforts to establish a culture of continuous learning, development and improvement across all levels of Maltese handball.
Beyond strengthening technical knowledge, the initiative also highlighted the value of collaboration and shared responsibility in maintaining high standards of officiating and ensuring that matches are conducted fairly, consistently and professionally.
The Malta Handball Association extends its sincere appreciation to the three speakers for sharing their expertise, as well as to all 24 participants for dedicating their time and demonstrating their commitment to developing their skills.
The MHA looks forward to building on the momentum generated by this seminar through further educational and development initiatives aimed at strengthening the Maltese handball community and supporting the long-term growth of the sport.
