Chaumontais Marvyn Sayag became an international referee at the age of 30. He becomes one of the youngest in France at this level and the first in Champagne-Ardenne.
“I enjoy refereeing more than playingâ€. Arbitration is a vocation. Marvyn Sayag understood this from a very young age. From the linesman, flag in hand, to the referee duo, whistle in mouth, the Chaumontais climbed the ranks at breakneck speed. Today, at 30, he is called upon to direct international competitions. “I believe that my rapid rise is due to the desire of French and international refereeing to see a new generation take over. HAS”
It is firstly due to its qualities, recognized today at the highest level in France. On March 28, he was appointed to direct the final of the French women’s cup.
“Above all, I am passionate about volleyball. I quickly realized that I could satisfy my passion in different ways. HAS” The Haut-Marnais route is classic. He discovered the discipline within Chaumont VB 52 Haute-Marne in the youth categories. A good player (he will progress to the national level with the Cévesque reserve team), he is even sometimes called upon to complete the professional group, during training sessions. But Marvyn’s gaze is not only focused on the pitch. He quickly became involved in his favorite club, as an educator, coach and… referee. “Discovering at 18 the atmosphere of “pro†matches in the “cauldron†of Jean-Masson in Chaumont, as a referee, was a trigger. HAS” Poised, calm, educational and sure of himself, the Chaumontais develops qualities which do not escape his supervisors. In 2020, he obtained the federal referee diploma (which allows him to referee up to the Elite level). Two years later, he obtained the “panel B†(League B and Women’s League A), then in 2024, the “panel A†(Men’s First Division). The only obligation for him: to leave CVB 52 to avoid conflicts of interest in the Marmara Spikeligue. “I have since been licensed at CO Saint-Dizier. HAS”
He now wants to discover the world
Haut-Marnais is ambitious. Players dream of national selection. He also wants to reach the international level. The French Arbitration Commission offered him his first opportunity, during the friendly match between France and the Czech Republic, in Tours, last summer. He continues with the WEVZA Cup, a European junior championship in Portugal.
The feedback is good. The process is underway. The French Federation is applying to move to the international level. “I still have to obtain good supervision during five official matches, to reach the “international CEV†level. HAS” The Chaumontais could then play in European cup matches, or national competitions at European level.
A rapid rise, almost extraordinary, for the Chaumontais. “It’s a lot of work, a lot of sacrifices. Without the support and understanding of my family, my partner and my daughter, I would not have succeeded. HAS”
From August 3 to 8, Marvyn will be on the island of Guam, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, to lead his first international senior competition: the Oceanian championship. “Each country competing in this competition must provide a referee. France is represented by New Caledonia. HAS” Marvyn Sayag’s career broadens. He now wants to discover the world. And this will go through Micronesia.
Laurent Génin
l.genin@jhm.fr
*Becoming a referee is possible for everyone. Information on devenirarbitree@ffvolley.org
