Legendary referees say goodbye: A farewell full of emotions!

Legendary referees say goodbye: A farewell full of emotions!

On June 22, 2025, a remarkable farewell will be celebrated in the football world in Munich. Felix Brych, a referee who has set both national and international standards in his 28-year career, lays down his whistle on the final Bundesliga matchday of the 2024/25 season. Brych will be officially farewelled at an evening of honor in the “Almhütte”, organized by association referee chairman Sven Laumer and BFV vice-president Robert Schraudner. The event is a tribute to his outstanding achievements, which include numerous records and unforgettable highlights.

The referee landscape experienced further farewells that evening. After 23 years, Markus Pflaum (SV Dörfleins, SRG Bamberg) and Jürgen Steckermeier (TSV Altfraunhofen, SRG Landshut) are ending their refereeing careers at the same time. Tobias Wittman, who was active for eleven years (SV Wendelskirchen, SRG Isar-Rott), joins their ranks. Long-time referee observers such as Robert Fischer, Eckhard Lengmüller and Josef Sigl will also be honored in a ceremonial setting.

Referee training: A cornerstone of the game

But it's not just the departures that enrich football operations. Referee training plays a crucial role in German football. To become a successful referee, it is crucial to not only understand the rules of the game, but also develop decision-making skills and authority. This is promoted, among other things, through various training courses and continuous further education. The training includes theoretical and practical training, with prospective referees having to take both written and physical exams. Referee training often takes place in sports schools, such as the Edenkoben Sports School, and is spread over numerous lessons, which also include the introduction to digital tools such as DFBnet to make everyday refereeing easier.

The requirements for young talent are clearly defined: an understanding of the football rules, commitment and fairness characterize potential referees. In many associations the minimum age for training is 14, some allow entry from as young as 12. Anyone interested must also be a member of a football club in order to take part in the training. The first appearances in lower leagues or in the youth sector are usually accompanied by experienced referees who act as mentors.

The path to the highest category

However, promotion to higher leagues is not without its challenges. In order to make it to the Bundesliga, the highest level of a referee's career, you not only need a high level of competence, but also continuous performance tests and the willingness to undergo regular training. Referee observers play a key role in this by analyzing referees' performances and providing feedback to promote their development. The goal remains clear: to ensure integrity and respect in football, boundary conditions that are always required by the sport itself.

While the game's greats say goodbye, the new talents in the other corners of the football world are ready to take charge of the game and ensure fair play, highly valued by the sporting community. The loss of their veteran referees will be painful, but training and supporting young referees is key to ensuring a fair and respectful sport that appeals to all across generations.