Referees are an essential part of every game. Unfortunately, in this role they are often hostile, mobbed, insulted or even threatened and physically assaulted. In order to protect referees in Berlin from violence, the Berlin Football Association offers various training courses for referees that deal with topics such as communication, body language, conflict management and de-escalation on the pitch. These topics are already taught to all new referees in the beginners' course and in the follow-up course.
Sports psychology coaching
In addition, the Berlin Football Association supports referees after incidents of psychological and physical violence in the person of sports psychologist Theresa Hoffmann. To this end, Ms. Hoffmann offers a sports psychology consultation (appointments by individual arrangement).
Any referee can take advantage of this offer:
Theresa Hoffmann
Abteilungsleitung Gesellschaftliche Verantwortung & Referentin Schiedsrichter:innenwesen
T (030) 89 69 94 - 153
Dealing with discrimination and acts of violence
Checklist for referees as a guide for dealing with violence (BFV)
Checklist for referees as a guide for dealing with discrimination (DFB)
In addition, the correct procedure for dealing with discrimination can be found in the instructions for referees under points 9 and 12.
Furthermore, the procedure for dealing with discrimination can also be found in detail under point 12 of the DFB regulations.
"Respectful cooperation" and "Football is my hobby too" - these two slogans will be prominently displayed in the Berlin Football Association's match operations from the upcoming 2024/2025 season. In future, they will adorn the jerseys of those players who are entrusted with the task of punishing rule violations and behavior that counteract the idea of fair play: the referees.
The two selected jersey slogans are based on the results of an online survey in which the Berlin soccer family was actively involved in the design of the campaign. A total of almost 700 people, including almost 400 referees and other players from the capital's soccer scene, cast their votes to select the messages.