SIMVA celebrates six newly certified beach volleyball referees and coaches

GREAT BAY--The St. Maarten Volleyball Association, SIMVA, has congratulated six members who recently earned national and international certifications in beach volleyball officiating and coaching.

SIMVA said the achievement represents another step in the development of beach volleyball in St. Maarten, strengthening the country’s technical capacity to train athletes, organize competitions and provide qualified officials for local and regional events.

The newly certified officials and coaches are:

• Chesley Augustine, FIVB International Beach Volleyball Referee
• Charlene Bovell-Gumbs, National Beach Volleyball Referee
• Keishan Huggins, Advanced Beach Volleyball Coach
• Allinton Augustine, National Beach Volleyball Referee
• Rajheem Meulens, FIVB Beach Volleyball Coach
• Georffry Hernandez, FIVB Beach Volleyball Coach

SIMVA extended congratulations to the six recipients for their dedication and commitment to the continued growth of the sport.

“Your hard work, dedication and commitment to growing beach volleyball have paid off,” the association stated. “These achievements strengthen not only your personal journeys, but also the future of volleyball in St. Maarten.”

The certifications are connected to the development structure supported by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball, FIVB, and the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association, ECVA.

The FIVB is the international governing body for volleyball and establishes standards for coaching, officiating and competition worldwide. Its referee pathway includes theoretical and practical training intended to maintain the level of officiating required at international events.

ECVA supports volleyball development among its Eastern Caribbean member associations through regional competitions and training opportunities for coaches, referees and athletes. Its referee courses include classroom instruction and practical experience during competitions.

For St. Maarten, having more certified referees and coaches means the country can rely on a larger group of trained personnel familiar with recognized rules, coaching methods and competition standards.

It can also improve St. Maarten’s ability to develop young players, prepare national teams, stage properly officiated tournaments and participate more effectively in ECVA, NORCECA and wider international volleyball activities.

International qualifications may also create opportunities for eligible officials to be considered for assignments beyond St. Maarten as they gain experience and progress through the relevant regional and international pathways. FIVB referee candidates are generally expected to first demonstrate strong performance at the continental level before being considered for its highest-level courses.

SIMVA said the achievement reflects the work being done by its members and the St. Maarten Beach Volleyball Association to build a stronger foundation for the sport.

The association congratulated Augustine, Bovell-Gumbs, Huggins, Augustine, Meulens and Hernandez and encouraged them to continue using their qualifications to support players and the wider volleyball community.

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