Launched by the International Handball Federation (IHF), the Advanced Referee Training Programme (ARTP) is a flagship initiative designed to elevate the quality, consistency, and professionalism of refereeing at the highest levels of international handball. Targeted at elite referees and emerging officiating talent, the ARTP underscores the IHF’s commitment to continuous development and excellence in sport governance.

The programme offers non-European IHF referees and IHF candidates the opportunity to spend at least 14 days in various European countries. During this period, participants officiate a minimum of six matches—primarily in top-tier leagues (first division, or second division in special cases)—to gain valuable experience and enhance their technical and tactical understanding.

Through a structured mix of theoretical instruction, practical workshops, performance analysis, and personalized mentorship, the ARTP equips referees with the tools and confidence needed to make accurate decisions under pressure.

Participants are supervised by local IHF PRC Lecturers or top IHF referees, appointed by and in close coordination with the Chairman of the IHF Playing Rules and Referees Commission (PRC), Per Morten Sødal.

For 2025, five national federations and the European Handball Federation have expressed interest in joining the programme. Seven ARTP sessions are scheduled in the coming months.

The first two sessions will take place in the summer, alongside the EHF Women’s Under-17 and Under-19 European Championships in Montenegro. Representing the non-European contingent are referee pairs Roua Haggui and Sahar Haggui from Tunisia, and Bruna Correa and Renata Correa from Brazil.

These will be followed by five additional sessions in leading European leagues during the autumn. Specific details for these sessions are currently being finalized in collaboration with the respective national federations.