The experience of San Marino referees Andrea Righi and Matteo Colonna at the UEFA Centre of Refereeing Excellence (CORE) in Nyon, Switzerland, has come to an end. The programme is dedicated to the training and development of European match officials.
The pair — a referee and an assistant referee respectively — took part in the 62nd consolidation course, held from 12 to 16 October alongside colleagues from various federations across the continent.
The five days combined theoretical lessons with practical sessions on the pitch, focusing on the Laws of the Game, VAR protocol and refereeing decisions. The course also covered video analysis, teamwork and issues related to sporting integrity.
Particular attention was given to physical preparation, with exercises focused on speed, agility and endurance, as well as activities aimed at improving concentration and preventing injuries.
It was precisely in the athletic tests that the two San Marino officials delivered standout performances. Andrea Righi posted the best time in the speed test, while Matteo Colonna finished joint first with a Spanish assistant referee in the ARIET endurance test.
