Germany: Pro mentors, a coaching programme for young referees by the country's experienced officials

The German Football Association (DFB) and its 21 regional leagues have launched the "Pro Mentors" campaign in 2023-24 to help new referees take their first steps in the world of football, announced UEFA on 12/01/2024.

All referees in the top three men's divisions (Bundesliga, 2. Bundesliga and 3. Liga) and the top two women's divisions (Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga and 2. Frauen-Bundesliga) will be assigned at least once to coach these new amateur referees, according to the DFB.

Katrin Rafalski, born on 04/02/1982, assistant referee at the Women's World Cup 2019 and 2023, kicked off this campaign in September 2023 as a mentor at a youth match. Other elite referees will follow suit before the end of the season.

"Mentors assist with administrative procedures and make suggestions on where the new referees can improve" (UEFA)

• "A pilot mentoring programme was trialled in the 2017-18 season and since then, mentors have been deployed in all state associations. They are expected to help reduce the sometimes large number of new younger referees quitting the game, and encourage them to…