Football referees in Germany face rising violence and recruitment needs

Football referees in Germany face significant challenges, including rising instances of verbal abuse and physical violence. Statistics from the 2024/25 season indicate that violence was recorded in approximately 3,494 matches, occurring in roughly one out of every 400 games. Despite these risks, there are over 60,000 active referees in Germany who facilitate approximately 1.5 million matches annually.

To address the need for officials, clubs like 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam are actively recruiting new referees. The training process involves learning the 17 rules of football, managing player interactions, and writing match reports. New officials receive support from experienced referees and have opportunities for professional development and financial compensation.