By Jake Smith
This weekend, IMMAF Director of Regulatory Affairs, Marc Goddard delivered an Officials’ course for the French Mixed Martial Arts Federation FMMAF. The world renowned referee made the trip to Paris to deliver the course in person to the group of officials.
The course is designed to not only leave participants with knowledge with theoretical and practical training but also help them on their continual development as officials.
The course also looks to further ensure the safety of those competing by making sure that the officials have an extensive understanding of the unified rules of MMA, scoring criteria and its application and the code of conduct and ethics.
MMA is now building up speed in the French sporting scene. While the French Ministry of Sport only legalised MMA in the country in February 2020, under the French Boxing Federation jurisdiction, effects of the COVID Pandemic has meant that the “reboot” of the sport is now gathering momentum with a number of key governance and sport development projects set for activation.
Goddard took to social media to express his thoughts on this weekend’s course, he said:
“Very cool weekend here in Paris teaching a group of officials for the French Mixed Martial Arts Association. A great bunch, willing and cooperative to learn together. The sport of MMA is ready to explode in France as we move towards normality and opening up. When the UFC puts on their inaugural event it’s going to be spectacular here.”
As French MMA continues to flourish, finishing 5th at the 2019 European championships and with the likes Manon Fiorot and Sola Axel continuing to fly the Alumni flag, it’s just as important for the officials to be as competent as the athletes across the globe and through the officials courses, IMMAF look to assist with this process.
For more information on all IMMAF courses, visit our Officials Area page here: Officials Area
