Beginners and experienced referees can undertake courses at the school at the Derb Ghallef social education centre, which involve both theoretical classes and practical studies.

It covers the whole code of points in the sport, designed by the International Sambo Federation (FIAS).

Those who consider themselves experienced can take part in more advanced programmes, providing they come from the national referees staff.

The scheme also encourages beginners, who must be sambo wrestlers over the age of 12.

They will study theory and basics of refereeing as well as put learning into practice.

The courses take around a year to complete and offer four grades - trainee referee, league referee, regional referee and national referee - while postgraduate study is also available.

Successful students could be given the opportunity to officiate in major sambo tournaments across the continent, including the African Championship, according to the Royal Moroccan Federation of Sambo and Tai Jitsu.

"The education cannot be considered accomplished if it doesn't include practice," the governing body's President, Dalil Skalli, said.

"For this purpose, referees who took theoretical and practical tests, will be appointed to judge in local, regional and national competitions in accordance with received categories."

Skalli added that the courses on offer were available for representatives of all African countries and not just people from Morocco.

He went on to reveal they would be hosting four referees from the Seychelles, which is due to stage this year's African Championship, at the sambo referees school.