Fit for the Bundesliga

By Manfred Christoph

The men in black are getting fit for the Bundesliga. Two weeks before the start of the new season, the German Football Association (DFB) has been checking on the physical wellbeing of 43 top referees.

Regular test
The Cooper test - where referees have to cover 2,700m in 12 minutes - numerous sprints, and an exam on football's laws have been the focal points of a three-day course at the Barsinghausen sports school near Hannover. Bundesliga referees must take, and pass, this test on a regular basis.

One absentee
"Their fitness has never been a problem," explained Volker Roth, a former leading Bundesliga and European referee who is now chairman of both the UEFA and Bundesliga referees' committees. Michael Weiner from Hildesheim was the only referee absent from the course, but he had an excuse: he has been officiating at the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in Liechtenstein.

Krug coaching
Bundesliga veteran Helmut Krug, who can count on the experience of 240 top-flight matches, has begun passing on this extensive knowledge to his colleagues. The 47-year-old started work as a head of department in the refereeing sector at the beginning of the month. He said in his welcome address: "We must support the referees before, during and after a match so that they can do a perfect job."

Press relations
Special topics of interest at the referees' course included seeking improvements in the relationship between media representatives and journalists. The topic of referees and the media is a sensitive issue as far as the DFB is concerned, and press department head Gerd Meier-Röhn, a former TV journalist, gave the course attendees essential advice to help them improve co-operation with radio and television commentators. Lutz Lüttig, sports editor of the German tabloid Bild, and a former linesman and assistant referee in the Bundesliga, then examined relations between referees and the print media.

Video analysis
The referees will be fully tuned up for the forthcoming campaign. "The prior aim is to ensure the uniform interpretation of the laws," said Krug. "In addition, emphasis is being placed on proper team-work between the referee and his assistants."

Cheering liberalised
Roth added: "Holding, elbow-checks and general fouls are important topics which haven't changed a lot." He is in favour of a stricter approach in the event of a foul which threatens the opponent's physical wellbeing. The referees are also being asked to deal with celebrations after a goal in a more liberal manner. However, following an order by the world football body, FIFA, a player has to be booked after a goal if he removes his shirt completely.