The Berlin Football Association has taken note of the fact that in individual cases, when female referees and practising Muslims are involved in the obligatory shake-hands before matches on Berlin's soccer pitches, no handshake is given to the female referees for religious reasons. As an association, we would like to clarify the situation and sensitize both sides to treat each other with respect and in accordance with the rules.
No discrimination on religious grounds
On the occasion of the upcoming start of the season, we would like to inform you that, as long as the reason for waiving the shakehands is the practice of religion, the waiver does not constitute discrimination according to §46 of the BFV's Legal and Procedural Regulations (RVO). On this basis, players who refrain from shakehands for religious reasons will receive neither a permanent sending-off for discrimination against the referee nor a caution for unsportsmanlike conduct. The final decision on the awarding of personal penalties is the responsibility of the referee.
In return, we ask them not to accept possible handshakes for religious reasons. If you consider the manner in which the refusal to shake hands to be clearly misogynistic and sexist (e.g. because it is announced that religious practice will be used as an excuse or accompanying misogynistic statements are made), it is still at your own personal discretion to address this behavior or punish it with a personal penalty.
Communication and respect are essential
We therefore appeal to the clubs, players and officials to discuss such situations with the referees and teams before the match. In order to avoid misunderstandings and unpleasant situations during the shake-hand situation, it is essential to discuss the situation in advance. If necessary, another form of greeting without physical contact can be agreed between the referee and the player. Please ensure that the situation remains respectful at all times.
The appeal for prior communication expressly applies not only to the player-referee constellation, but also to any other conceivable constellation (e.g. player-referee*, believing referee-player*) as well as to other target groups, such as (co-)coaches and support staff.
