The Dar es Salaam Regional Handball Association has intensified efforts to modernize the sport through advanced training for referees and coaches, with a new focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and updated game regulations aimed at improving efficiency and professionalism in handball management.
The training programme, which began on May 10 and is scheduled to end on May 14 this year, has brought together 16 participants, comprising 12 from mainland Tanzania and four from Zanzibar.
The initiative is part of ongoing reforms to align the sport with modern technological and regulatory developments.
Speaking during the training session, senior handball referee and course instructor Moshi Ally said the programme is designed to equip officials and coaches with updated knowledge on recent rule changes while also introducing them to the use of AI in sports management.
He said some of the revised rules officially came into effect on March 1 this year, making it necessary for referees and coaches to undergo refresher training to ensure accurate interpretation and application during competitions.
Ally noted that participants are also being trained on how Artificial Intelligence can be used in developing training programmes, generating match reports, analyzing performance data, and interpreting game regulations more efficiently.
He further explained that the integration of technology will significantly improve the speed and accuracy of match reporting, with data now being available within minutes after a game, compared to the traditional manual processes that took much longer.
“Through these systems, a coach can now receive a full match report shortly after the final whistle without waiting for lengthy manual verification processes,” he said.
He urged stakeholders in the sport to embrace technological transformation, saying it is essential for keeping pace with global developments in modern sports management.
KMKM Zanzibar head coach Hassan Ali Hassan said the training had provided valuable insights into updated rules and the growing role of technology in handball.
He said the knowledge gained would be shared with other coaches and officials to help strengthen understanding and improve the overall standard of the sport.
“We have learned many new aspects that were previously unclear to us. I intend to pass this knowledge to others so that we can collectively develop the sport,” he said.
Another participant, Mariam Ali Mzee from Ukonga Magereza, said the training was particularly impactful for women involved in coaching and officiating, noting that it had opened more opportunities for participation in technical roles within the sport.
She added that increased education and knowledge sharing would contribute significantly to the growth of handball in Tanzania.
Mzee also called on stakeholders to increase support for handball, saying the sport is steadily gaining popularity among young people and deserves equal attention alongside other disciplines.
