Referee Hermann Hay: Respectiveness in amateur football is increasing!

Referee Hermann Hay: Respectiveness in amateur football is increasing!

Gifhorn. A referee in the district league becomes the target of insults and heated discussions! Hermann Hay, the referee of SV Jembke, experienced last weekend during the exciting duel between MTV Gamsen and SV Meinersen how heated the mind can be on the square. In injury time, Hay decided on a goal that caused massive controversy. "I stood ten meters behind the scene and had a clear view. Only if I am sure I will pipe!" He commented on the explosive decision.

After the game there was a respectful exchange with Meinersen's coach Ron Glindemann, who disagreed and did not see the goal. "When I hear that it was a phantom goal, that's not okay!" Hay is outraged. The experienced referee, who has been active in amateur football since 2004, feels a decline in respect for referees. "It used to be different!", He recalls a shocking event when the player of the second team of the home club constantly insulted him. "I had to get the captain to take peace!"

arbitrator for 20 years

Despite the challenges, Hay remains true to his passion. "It is a hard job, especially in the lower leagues where you whistle without assistants. But I love it!", The 57-year-old enthuses. And his 15-year-old daughter Amelie also packed the referee fever and whistles himself. Together they were already on the pitch-but she too is hearing the harsh comments from her parents. "This is sad, because many young referees lose motivation," warns Hay.

harsh words for impartial

The conditions are not only worrying in the amateur area. Professional referees also often have to deal with angry insults, although they can use technical aids such as the video referee. "I think it's good that the professionals have such means, but this support is denied to us in the district league. I sometimes jokingly say: 'I have heard nothing from Cologne!'" Said Hay, who clearly recognizes the challenges of his referee career. The district league in which he whistles is demanding, and the speed of the players makes the decisions significant.