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Trainer and referee in an exciting exchange: a look behind the scenes!
On October 8th, 2025, an interactive meeting between coaches and referees from the Bundesliga took place in Heidenheim to discuss exchanges and current topics.
Trainer and referee in an exciting exchange: a look behind the scenes!
An exciting exchange characterized the recent meetings of the DFL, BDFL and DFB Schiri GmbH, where coaches and referees from the Bundesliga and the 2nd Bundesliga met. This initiative took place in five locations: Berlin, Bremen, Dortmund, Frankfurt and Heidenheim. A total of 22 trainers and 32 referees took part in these workshops, which included creative keynote speeches and lively discussions. DFL reports that the aim of these events was to strengthen communication between both groups and to discuss current challenges in game organization.
As a highlight of the exchange, participants were able to experience how external speakers, including sports greats such as Alan Ibrahimagic, Harold Kreis and Gordon Herbert, shared their perspectives on team dynamics and sporting successes. Ibrahimagic, assistant coach of the German national basketball team, particularly highlighted the importance of a functioning team structure. As the DFL emphasizes, the topic of cooperation is very important in a highly dynamic sports environment.
Constructive discussions
A central element of the workshops was the critical examination of current referee decisions. Specific game scenes were discussed using video sequences from the respective perspectives. Constant topics such as handball, holding violations in the penalty area and the so-called “emergency brakes” provided plenty of topics for discussion. Many coaches, including Steffen Baumgart from 1. FC Köln and Vincent Kompany from Bayern Munich, expressed the desire for more uniformity and consistency in refereeing decisions. BDFL reports.
Another important point that was discussed in the meetings was the framework calendar for the 2024/25 season and the interpretation of injury time. Ideas for including professional coaches in the referees' training camps were also discussed. The managing director of sports and communication at DFB Schiri GmbH, Knut Kircher, drew a positive conclusion about the exchange and emphasized that it helped both sides to better understand each other's perspective.
Insights into the leadership work
The event also set the course for future meetings, which should take place every six months to further promote dialogue. Trainers and referees gathered to share their perspectives and develop new approaches that serve the future development of football. Ansgar Swiveling, DFL director game operations and fans, underlined the importance of these personal contacts, which create both mutual understanding and an improved working atmosphere. DFB indicates this that the exchange about different perspectives is crucial for harmonious coexistence in football.
This initiative may be seen as a step in the right direction to master the complexity of the cooperation between trainers and referees. It remains exciting to observe how these negotiations will affect the game.