## RefMic Makes Its Historic Debut at the 2025 IHF Women's World Championship
The newly developed RefMic technology was introduced for the first time at the 2025 IHF Women’s World Championship in Trier. This milestone represents another major advancement in integrating technology to enhance the transparency and communication of handball officiating.
### Purpose and Function
RefMic enables referees to communicate directly with fans, players, and coaching staff by broadcasting their explanations during key moments of the game. The system aims to make referee decisions more understandable and to strengthen trust between officials and spectators.
### Implementation
The International Handball Federation (IHF) collaborated with technology partners to ensure a seamless integration of RefMic during the event. Referees wore the system throughout selected matches, where it provided real-time insight into their decision-making processes.
### Impact and Feedback
Players, fans, and officials welcomed the new technology. Early feedback highlights its potential to make handball more engaging for the audience and to provide valuable transparency at the highest level of international competition. The IHF plans to review results from this trial before expanding RefMic use in future tournaments.
> “This initiative underlines our commitment to innovation and openness in handball,” said an IHF spokesperson during the event.
### Author’s Summary
RefMic’s introduction at the 2025 Championship marks a breakthrough toward transparent, audience-friendly refereeing in international handball.
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IHF — 2025-11-28