Bundesliga Referee Siebert Guides Emerging Refs
In the realm of football, Bundesliga referee Daniel Siebert played a pivotal role, serving as a mentor to a young, ambitious referee, Michelle Heyder. This initiative, part of the "Profi wird Pate" project by the German Football Association (DFB), pairs experienced professionals with newcomers to provide valuable guidance and support.
Siebert spent his time observing Heyder's performance during a district league match, offering constructive feedback throughout the game. "You need to gauge the gravity of the offense through the whistle," he advised, highlighting the importance of communication in refereeing.
The DFB established the mentorship program in the 2017/18 season, as the organization recognized the frequent departure of young referees following their training, often attributing this to the 'practical shock' of the profession. "Far too many young referees abandon their career prematurely. Our program seeks to alleviate this issue," stated DFB Vice President Ronny Zimmermann.
The impact of this mentorship program on the refereeing community is evident in recent trends. The number of available referees experienced a significant decline over a 15-year span but has remained steady since 2022/23.
Michelle Heyder expressed her gratitude for Siebert's support, acknowledging that such mentorship is crucial during the early stages of a referee's career. "The guidance from experienced figures like Siebert is invaluable, especially when you're just starting out," she shared.
In a world where referees play a pivotal role in shaping the course of a match, it's essential to provide support and nurture young talent, which is precisely what the DFB's mentorship program aims to accomplish.
[1] Bundesliga Referee Siebert Guides Emerging Refs – a potential impact on the refereeing community: The DFB's "Profi wird Pate" project, alongside Naemi Breier, a professional footballer from Rheinland, provides valuable mentorship to young referees during their first games, potentially increasing confidence and skills in the profession. Moreover, this fundamental support can encourage more individuals to pursue careers as referees, resulting in a more robust and skilled refereeing community over time.
