Brest, France – Laura Kanor, a prominent figure in French handball currently playing for Brest Bretagne Handball, is adding another dimension to her sporting career: refereeing. The 28-year-old, who has represented France on the international stage, recently completed a refereeing course and made her debut officiating a match in the fourth division of French women’s handball.
Kanor’s teammates have playfully dubbed her “Madame l’Arbitre” (Madam Referee), a nickname that spread quickly within the Brest BH locker room after she was granted permission to attend a three-day federal training course in December dedicated to players interested in becoming referees. The course allowed Kanor to pursue a long-held ambition.
“I’ve always been interested in this,” Kanor explained, according to reports. “My sister and I always wanted to do it, but with her playing abroad [Orlane Kanor plays for CSM București], it was complicated.” The opportunity to pursue the course independently allowed Laura to take the first step towards a second career within the sport.
She made her officiating debut on Saturday, March 21st, in Plouagat, Côtes-d’Armor, overseeing a match between the local team and league-leading Colombelles in the N2 féminine division. Kanor expressed relief that the match was located some distance from Brest, jokingly noting, “Luckily it’s a bit far from Brest, otherwise some of my teammates would have reach!”
The sight of a Coupe d’Europe player, and the twin sister of a French national team star, officiating in the fourth tier of women’s handball certainly didn’t proceed unnoticed. It garnered respect from those involved, with one opposing captain commenting on the experience. “It was quite surprising when we saw her name on the match sheet, we wondered why she was there. At the end of the match, my captain went to request her. But it’s quite nice, the experience is cool. In any case, she was great, we felt her a little embarrassed and full of humility. She has a lot of empathy…”
Kanor’s foray into refereeing is a testament to her dedication to the sport and her desire to contribute to handball beyond her role as a player. The move is particularly noteworthy given the demands of professional handball, which require intense training and competition schedules. Balancing playing and officiating will undoubtedly present challenges, but Kanor appears eager to embrace them.
The French handball community has reacted positively to Kanor’s new endeavor. It’s seen as a positive step for the sport, demonstrating a commitment to developing talent at all levels, including within the officiating ranks. The initiative also highlights the importance of players understanding the rules and nuances of the game from both sides of the whistle.
Laura Kanor’s career to date has been marked by success. Born on June 16, 1997, in Les Abymes, Guadeloupe, she currently plays as a left wing for Brest Bretagne Handball. Prior to joining Brest in November 2023, she spent six seasons with Metz Handball, winning the French championship and cup in 2019, 2022, and 2023. She briefly played for Rapid București in the 2023-2024 season before returning to France.
Her twin sister, Orlane Kanor, is also a professional handball player, currently with CSM București, adding another layer of sporting excellence to the family. The sisters have long shared a passion for the game, and while Orlane’s commitments abroad prevented her from pursuing refereeing alongside Laura, their shared ambition clearly played a role in Laura’s decision to take the plunge.
Kanor’s decision to turn into a referee isn’t simply about adding another skill to her repertoire; it’s about a deeper engagement with the sport she loves. It’s a chance to gain a new perspective on the game, to contribute to its development, and to potentially inspire others to acquire involved in all aspects of handball. The move also underscores the growing emphasis on player development and education within the French handball federation.
As Kanor continues to balance her playing and refereeing careers, she’s sure to face new challenges and opportunities. Her dedication, humility, and passion for the game will undoubtedly serve her well in both roles. The handball world will be watching with interest to see how this exciting new chapter unfolds.
Next up for Laura Kanor and Brest Bretagne Handball is their continued push in the French league. Fans can follow the team’s progress and Kanor’s journey on the official Brest Bretagne Handball website and social media channels. Keep an eye out for updates on her refereeing schedule as well.
