The Rwandan Volleyball Federation has marked a historic milestone with the introduction of the Video Review system in the national volleyball league for the first time.

The technology, which many referred to as Video Assistant Referee (VAR), debuted over the weekend, signaling a new era of fairness, transparency, and modernization in Rwandan volleyball.

"It is not VAR, it’s a video review or checking (VR) that was used during the game between REG and APR last Saturday,” said Alphonse Ndayisaba, an FIVB International Referee.

Ndayisaba, who also serves as the Chairman of the Refereeing Commission at Rwanda Volleyball Federation (FRVB), explained that the system is designed to help referees avoid mistakes by reviewing specific plays.

"It’s there to help referees avoid errors or review a play. It is going to be used only during big matches,” he said.

He noted that the decision to use video review during the playoffs will depend on discussions between the federation and the teams.

"For the playoffs, it’s the federation and the teams that will decide whether to use it or not. But the VAR project is ongoing.”

For players, coaches, and referees, Video Review 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. Video Review 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

Benon Mugisha Bavuga, the head coach of Rwanda Energy Group VC, said he learned about Video Review on the day of their match against APR.

"It’s very important if it’s a full package. The Video Review 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 Video Review 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 the technology 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. Video Review would have prevented that.”

Still, he questioned whether implementing Video Review 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, Video Review 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. Video review 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 Video Review 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 Video Review enhances fairness, strengthens referee credibility, reduces conflict, and reassures fans and sponsors.

More than just a technological upgrade, Video Review symbolizes progress—positioning Rwandan volleyball closer to international standards and reinforcing confidence in the integrity of the game.