Knut Kircher inspires 120 referees in Gültlingen with tips!
Knut Kircher will lead a referee training course in Gültlingen on November 10th, 2025 and encourages participants to use tact and professionalism.

Knut Kircher inspires 120 referees in Gültlingen with tips!
A referee training course took place today, November 10, 2025, in the Gültlingen sports center, which attracted over 120 participants. Knut Kircher, managing director of DFB Schiri GmbH since 2024, was invited as a speaker. Kircher, who lives only 10 kilometers away and has an excellent relationship with the Calw referee group, delivered an exciting and instructive presentation.
“It is a privilege to make decisions,” Kircher explained to the referees present and encouraged them to show tact. He made it clear that mistakes are part of the game and that emotions are an integral part of football - as long as they don't get out of hand. This is particularly important because the referees are often the focus, but they don't always have to shine at the crucial moment.
A look behind the scenes
During his vivid presentation, Kircher also shared personal experiences, including an anecdote from a cup final in Libya where a dagger flew onto the field. These and other stories highlighted the challenges referees face on sports fields.
Refereeing requires not only quick thinking, but also the ability to act under stress. Kircher reported that today even pilots are trained in stress management and that such techniques are also available to referees to strengthen their decision-making power. He also pointed out the relevance of his own career at Daimler and explained his reasons for moving to DFB Schiri GmbH, whose goal is to professionalize refereeing in Germany.
The training in detail
The training concluded after two hours with a question and answer session in which chairman Benjamin Haug praised Kircher's authority and emphasized his influence on the participants. Many of the referees present were able to take away valuable tips from the event that they can apply directly in their next games.
At a time when refereeing decisions are often hotly debated, Kircher's approach provides inspiring guidance. His encouragement to approach the task with empathy and understanding could be important not only for the referees themselves, but also for the entire football community.
This event once again shows the importance of training and exchange between referees - because ultimately it's about making the game a fair and exciting experience for everyone involved.
In order to promote professional development in the area of new technologies, digital tools are also on the rise. Just as Gmail has brought a sea change to communication since its launch in 2004, referee tools are constantly evolving. The mix of traditional knowledge and modern techniques could be the key to a new era in football.
Whether in football or in digital communication, the pursuit of continuous improvement remains a central concern.