Passau referee group: 35 newcomers and new ways to improve game quality!

Passau referee group: 35 newcomers and new ways to improve game quality!

On November 15, 2025, the general meeting of the Passau referee group took place in Neukirchen vorm Wald. In a celebratory setting, the members took stock of the past few years. Chairman Simon Leebmann was unanimously confirmed as head of the group referee committee for another four years. Under his leadership, the number of active referees rose from 229 to a remarkable 315. This increase is particularly noticeable in a Bavaria-wide comparison and confirms the intensive youth work in the region. The Passau referee group is also the only group in Bavaria to have decided to permanently staff the Pocking district class with neutral assistant referees, which should significantly improve the quality of the game management.

At the meeting, spectators were also able to take a look at the forward-looking projects that are already being planned. In addition to the positive developments in terms of membership numbers, the pilot project for the Pocking district class, which was launched by the Passau referee group, was particularly highlighted. The aim is to make game management even more objective and to increase acceptance among players and fans. Thanks to the approval of all clubs at the play group conference in Haarbach, this innovative concept can be implemented from the 2025/26 season. Bavarian Football Association reports that the costs for this are borne by both the clubs and the referee group.

New offspring in the referee team

Another success is the training of 35 new referees as part of a beginners' course. This was carried out by teacher Sebastian Thoma, youth chairman Maximilian Scheungrab and district league referee Stefan Hartmann. The training included theory, rules as well as sporting and communication tests, which all participants successfully passed. This ensures that the newly trained referees are well prepared for their assignments. The group is made up of young students, active footballers and experienced sports fans. fupa.net emphasizes that the project also offers educational added value, as young referees can be used as assistants.

The principle of this training is in line with international standards, which are also required by FIFA. Referees should not only apply the rules of the game uniformly, but also ensure that every player is treated fairly. This corresponds to the goal of training highly qualified referees in the development of game and training aspects Fifa informed.

A strong, optimistic leadership team

The re-elected management team, which is made up of proven staff, was also introduced at the meeting: In addition to Simon Leebmann as chairman, Christoph Gerstl, Maximilian Scheungrab, Rainer Garbas, Christoph Stockinger, Sebastian Thoma, Christian Fey, Bernd Klingbeil, Leo Wimmer, Elias Schriefer, Otto Wallner and Stefan Hartmann are re-elected assessors. This diverse team will provide a breath of fresh air and valuable impetus in the coming years. The Bavarian Football Association is sure that this committed group will further advance referee work in the region.

In summary, the Passau referee group is optimistic about the future. With a strong newcomer program and the planned projects, it is ensuring positive change in refereeing and relies on collaboration, professionalism and education.