As part of its first quarterly calendar, the Lebanese Muaythai Federation successfully organised an “International Workshop” for referees and judges on Sunday, 9 February, at Le Royal Hotel, Dbayeh. The workshop was conducted by IFMA international referee and Technical Delegate, Dr Erdoğan Aydin, reinforcing IFMA’s commitment to ongoing education and the professional development of officials worldwide.
During his visit, Dr Erdoğan was warmly received by the Lebanese Olympic Committee, where he was presented with a commemorative plaque by the committee’s president, Dr Pierre Jalkh, in recognition of his invaluable support in advancing muaythai in Lebanon.
The workshop saw an impressive turnout, with nearly 90 referees and judges from various cities across Lebanon participating in the event. Dr Erdoğan delivered an extensive lecture covering the latest updates to competition rules, the roles and responsibilities of referees and judges, the psychological aspects of officiating, and the correct procedures for handling injuries. He also provided insights into the key differences between amateur and professional muaythai, weight classes and age divisions, and the critical responsibilities of the jury and jury chairman. Additionally, he emphasised the importance of monitoring judges to ensure scoring accuracy and discussed proper fighter positioning and ring organisation.
A key component of the workshop was a session led by Mr Muhammad Amr, who provided a detailed explanation of IFMA’s digital scoring system. He demonstrated the use of electronic scoring panels for judges and explained how the jury operates the system to track and record fight results with precision.
Education and development remain at the core of IFMA’s strategic plan, and initiatives like this workshop reflect the federation’s dedication to enhancing the skills and knowledge of referees and judges worldwide. By equipping officials with the latest technical expertise and digital tools, IFMA continues to uphold the highest standards of fairness and professionalism in the sport.
The event concluded with Lebanese Muaythai Federation President Sami Kiblawi presenting commemorative gifts to the speakers in appreciation of their contributions. A group photo session followed, capturing the spirit of collaboration and growth within the Lebanese muaythai community.
Through workshops such as this, IFMA reaffirms its commitment to fostering a strong and well-educated officiating body, ensuring that muaythai continues to thrive with integrity and excellence at all levels of competition.




