The annual IFAF European online officiating clinic for International Technical Officials in tackle football was boosted this month by the attendance of 35 officials representing eight African nations.

The programme included presentations from IFAF head of officiating Davie Parsons and IFAF rules committee chair Jim Briggs on the 2026 Rules and Mechanics updates, along with information on the forthcoming IFAF European Championships.

“The meeting went very well, and the African officials were warmly welcomed by their European counterparts,” said Parsons. “Europe has a wealth of officials whose experience dates back more than forty years, so to share that knowledge and best practices with officials emerging from a continent where the sport is developing rapidly is extremely valuable.”

In total, 190 officials registered for the clinic, representing 20 European countries alongside the eight from Africa.

Nations represented were Austria, Belgium, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Czechia, Egypt, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Georgia, Ghana, Great Britain, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Morocco, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Poland, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Türkiye.

International Technical Officials are accredited experts responsible for officiating international competitions. They ensure consistent rule application, manage game-related incidents, and undergo assessments to maintain high standards of fair play at sanctioned events.