Football is a simple game. 22 referees chase a ball for 90 minutes and finally win the Bundesliga. This is more or less how the former Swiss referee Urs Meier (63) looks.
“Soccer player”
a solution on how to improve the performance of the much criticized Bundesliga referees. The expert, who among other things refereed matches at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, lacks the practical relevance of referees.
“Let the referees slide their legs” – Meier calls for major reforms for the Bundesliga
“Most mistakes come from decisions where you realize there’s a lack of understanding of football,” says Meier. “But this is necessary to recognize what the intention of a given action is on the pitch.” According to the Swiss, a major reform is needed for this. He provides a kind of weekly retreat for the referees, with game analysis every Monday – currently there are two a year – and a professional environment with coaches, psychologists and physiotherapists for the referees.
To increase football proficiency, the seminar room should enter the field. Meier suggests referees complete some soccer drills to become more aware of the game and the movement. “Let the referees head or slide the tackle.” The material must be recorded and then analyzed. “When you see and hear yourself, you have a greater understanding of the players.” According to Meier, practice-oriented training increases “football competence and thus the quality of decision-making”.
The arbitration expert suggests the support of former professionals and preparation plans
To provide further support to the arbitrators, Meier also endorses former professionals to assist in decision making. “This can lead to an aha effect for referees. I’m often the wrong contact person.” In addition to the analysis session on Monday and the soccer training on Tuesday, Meier calls for fitness training and extensive preparation for the upcoming matches. Additionally, referees should be provided with “training and preparation plans” leading up to their next assignment.
The age limit set by the DFB, from which refereeing in the Bundesliga is no longer permitted, is currently 47 years. Subsequently, the referees have to look for a new profession. According to Meier, referees should be “well prepared for follow-up work – whether in the media, as a traveling lecturer, in sales, field service or management in various industries.”
