Two local volleyball referees, Mr. Frankie Tanti and Mr. Nello Calleja, have been awarded full International status by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) after the completion of the requested number of international matches they had to officiate to be given this status.

After attending the International Refereeing Candidate Course in Cecina, Italy, in April 2003, both referees had five years during which they had to officiate as first referees in seven international matches, after which, and according to the performances given, they were awarded full International status.

Both Mr. Tanti and Mr. Calleja have been refereeing in the local leagues for a considerable number of years, and after obtaining the status as National referees in 1998, they became International Candidates in 2003. Internationally, they have already officiated in a number of competitions ranging from Club competitions to qualifying tournaments of Junior and Youth European Championships. A third referee, Mr. Marvic Micallef, is currently going through the phase that will lead him to obtain full International status in the near future. The Malta Volleyball Association will be aiming to reach the full complement of five international referees in the forthcoming years.