The Rwandan Volleyball Federation has marked a historic milestone with the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in the national volleyball league for the first time.
The technology debuted over the weekend, signaling a new era of fairness, transparency, and modernization in Rwandan volleyball.
For players, coaches, and referees, VAR is expected to significantly reduce human error and disputes during matches.
Crispin Ntanteteri, setter for REG Volleyball Club, described the move as a relief.
"It was the best news we got. It will reduce complaints from players and limit referee mistakes,” he said.
He recalled a controversial moment during a second-leg match against Kepler, where a referee ruled that REG had touched the ball before it went out.
"Sometimes referees call a mistake you haven’t even made. VAR will make matches fair because if you do not accept the referee’s decision, you can request a review. This reduces conflict between teams and referees, ensuring fairness.”
However, he emphasized that VAR does not directly affect performance.
"It won’t make players play better or reduce our own mistakes. It’s about fairness, not changing how we play.”
Coaches welcome the change
Bavuga Benon Mugisha, head coach of REG Volleyball Club, said he learned about VAR on the day of their match against APR.
"It’s very important if it’s a full package. The VAR currently available can see some things very well, like ball touches and net touches. It’s usually displayed on a big screen, so the coach or player requesting a challenge can see it for themselves.”
He added that VAR enhances the league’s credibility but hopes for improved infrastructure.
"I would like to see a big screen for every challenge so that I can watch it myself.”
Police Women Volleyball Club head coach Hatumimana Christians stressed that VAR minimizes wrong decisions and emotional bias.
"It ensures fairness and decreases complaints from players, coaches, and fans. I’ve faced situations where a wrong call impacted the outcome of a game. For example, a referee once called the last ball of a set out when it was actually in. VAR would have prevented that.”
Still, he questioned whether implementing VAR is currently the federation’s top priority, citing challenges such as costs, limited high-quality video infrastructure, and the need for trained technicians.
"Interruptions may affect the flow of the match. Despite that, VAR should be used in all matches, regardless of the teams’ levels.”
Kepler VC coach Jean-Patrice Ndaki Mboulet welcomed the initiative but noted its limitations.
"We are happy with this announcement. VAR will help for sure, but the current equipment has some limits. For men’s games, balls can fly close to 100 km/h. In competitions like the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) or the Olympics, they use 3D technology. Still, we are glad to start with this system.”
He acknowledged that while challenges may slow the pace of the game, preparation remains the foundation of performance.
"With or without VAR, we aim to perform better, make games competitive, exciting, and enjoyable, so people talk about the matches all week and can’t wait for the next one.”
The introduction of VAR is widely seen as a transformative move for the Rwandan Volleyball League. Beyond resolving live match disputes, it also serves as a learning tool for players and referees to review performances and improve decision-making.
While logistical and financial challenges remain, stakeholders agree that VAR enhances fairness, strengthens referee credibility, reduces conflict, and reassures fans and sponsors.
More than just a technological upgrade, VAR symbolizes progress — positioning Rwandan volleyball closer to international standards and reinforcing confidence in the integrity of the game.