The symposium addressed numerous aspects related to the development of women’s refereeing, improving quality, increasing the number of female referees in national associations, and finding an adequate model for recruiting and retaining referees within the system.

There were also talks about an individual approach to referees, particularly in the context of motherhood, as well as ways to provide support during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Many experts from different areas of the international refereeing community took part in the symposium, and the experience was especially valuable for Ivana Vlaić, who has served for years as a UEFA refereeing observer: “Participating in the first UEFA Women’s Referee Symposium was an extremely useful and inspiring experience. Through lectures, discussions, and exchange of experiences, we received clear ideas and concrete guidelines on how to further raise refereeing standards. It was a great honor to be part of this important event and a community that contributes to the development of women’s football and refereeing at the European level.”