22 new referees: The fight against criticism in football begins!

22 new referees: The fight against criticism in football begins!

In a pleasant step for the younger growth in the district of Göttingen-Easterode, 22 new referees were recently trained. The course, which took place in the club home of VfL Olympia Duderstadt, was a complete success. From the very different associations in the region, the participants took part in the five teaching units, which conveyed extensive knowledge of the football rules, from the offside rule to free kicks. Nadine Rahlfs, the head of the course, and Patrick Gattermann, the district referee teaching attendant, was particularly satisfied with the high number of participants, which is considered an encouraging sign in times of frequent referee criticism, as Gökick reported.

acute challenges for new referees

Despite the successful completion, the new referees face considerable challenges. Christian Rahlfs, chairman of the district referee committee, drew attention to the high fluctuation among young referees. Of the 24 new referees who were trained in 2019, only eight are active. The reasons for this are often frustrating: criticism and inappropriate insults on the part of the audience and supervisors contribute to the fact that many end their work prematurely. The committee therefore relies on support from experienced sponsors who are supposed to accompany the newcomers to their first games to ensure a gentle entry into the often difficult role of the referee, such as NFV Göttingen-Easterode added.

The event not only formed the basis for the technical training, but also for the education about the need to counter the referees, since this responsibility in the game is considered indispensable. The district referee committee appeals to everyone involved - players, coaches and spectators - to accept the referees and forgive mistakes in order to promote referee acquisition sustainably and to support football in general.