Slovenia date for UEFA referees

Europe's leading referees are in Slovenia next week for the latest UEFA summer gathering, which serves as preparation for the coming season's assignments.

With the UEFA Champions League group stage and UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying competition kick-offs just around the corner, the referees will receive instructions and guidance to assist them in their crucial roles at Europe's top club and national-team matches.

Members of UEFA's Referee Committee will give advice relating to the experiment involving two additional assistant referees, which is to continue in UEFA's club competitions over the next two seasons, following the recent decision of the International Football Association Board (IFAB).

Under the system, the referee, two assistant referees and the fourth official are accompanied by two additional assistants who take up positions alongside each goal. Their particular remit is to focus on incidents that take place in the penalty area.

Video analysis will be used to examine and debate match incidents, as part of overall efforts to maintain uniformity in decision-making, and UEFA's disciplinary unit will also be making a presentation on issues relating to refereeing and UEFA disciplinary measures.

With much asked of top referees in terms of their top physical condition to help them cope with the high pace and high stakes of modern-day elite football, UEFA elite and premier-category referees will also take a fitness test at the gathering in Slovenia.