A Fresh Leap: Ex-Bundesliga Goalkeeper Jens Vortmann Switches Gears to Referee
A previous Bundesliga goalkeeper aims to rejoin the league in a refereeing capacity.
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Jens Vortmann, once a formidable presence between the posts for top-tier German handball teams like GWD Minden, HSV Hamburg, and DHfK Leipzig, is making waves in the world of handball once more—but this time, from a rather unexpected standpoint. After an impressive 11 call-ups as a member of the German B national team and a successful run that included a silver medal at the U21 World Championship, Vortmann announced an unprecedented shift: he's jumping ship from the goalkeeper position to become a referee.
A year after hanging up his gloves, Vortmann, now 37, is embarking on a surprising journey that sees him reconnecting with the sport in an unconventional yet captivating manner. Commenting on his decision, the former Berliner stated: "Sitting behind a desk or taking on coaching roles didn't appeal to me. So, I decided to become a referee."
The pulsating handball scene in Germany stands witness to Vortmann's audacious debut as a referee—stepping onto the court to officiate the match between SC Markranstädt and 1. FC Köln in the Women's 3rd league. Accompanying Vortmann in the officiating duo is none other than Nils Blümel, a retired Bundesliga referee with over 700 games under his belt. Recalling his reaction to the unusual invitation, Blümel shared, "I was surprised, but I thought it was great. It takes guts to leave playing and become a referee."
Vortmann, who boasts nearly 400 Bundesliga games under his belt, is eager to swiftly regain his former performance levels in his new role. "We want to excel as a duo, but we'll see how that pans out in detail," said the seasoned player, now blazing a trail in the referee world. Stirring excitement in the handball community, Jutta Ehrmann, the head of referee affairs at the German Handball Federation (DHB), expressed: "This is a completely new path for the referee department. We've never had a former Bundesliga player and an elite referee collaborating like this before."
Ehrmann's faith in Vortmann provides him with an edge over "normal" career paths but also puts pressure on him to justify her decision. Vortmann's rich experience as a top-level player offers him a significant advantage, but there is much to be learned in this new role. In an upcoming challenge, the new referee acknowledged, "I need to work on my positioning, body language, and decision-making skills. But I'm confident we're on the right track."
Vortmann's metamorphosis from player to referee underscores the adaptability and resilience of athletes following their playing careers. By choosing such an unusual path, he sets an example for others to explore roles outside traditional coaching or management positions. Moreover, Vortmann's presence serves the handball community by providing a player's perspective to officiating, potentially enhancing rule application and improving the game overall. Ultimately, this career change offers Vortmann an opportunity for personal growth and development, enabling him to deepen his connection with the sport he cherishes.
Jens Vortmann, formerly a goalkeeper for teams like GWD Minden in German handball, is now refereeing a match between SC Markranstadt and 1. FC Köln in the Women's 3rd league, with retired Bundesliga referee Nils Bluemel as his officiating partner. Vortmann, who has 400 Bundesliga games under his belt, is eager to excel in his new role and is focusing on improving his positioning, body language, and decision-making skills.
