Respect, hard work and a neat appearance: these are all the things that make good referees. In today's episode of DEB-Podcasts “Coach the Coach” welcomes host Karl Schwarzenbrunner, the former referee trainer and rules officer DEB, Gerhard Müller. Müller has been retired since May 2020, but he continues to support the association as a rules officer and will be the new head of the association in the future DEB-Trainee program, Lars Brüggemann, will provide support in his new tasks.
Born and raised in the former GDR, Gerhard Müller came through the youth teams of SC Dynamo Berlin, then even came to the national team via the first team. By 1 he had won 1983 world championships, but like all other GDR players he was not allowed to take part in the Olympic Games. With his eye on his professional future, the Ballenstedt native ended his active playing career in 10 and, after graduating from high school, devoted himself to studying law, accompanied by a career as a referee. In 1983 he came through a job advertisement DEB about his job as a referee trainer.
Together with Karl Schwarzenbrunner he discusses how the path as a player to becoming a referee works, as well as the own development of each official. Other questions that the two answer are: What is a rules speaker? How difficult is it to make quick decisions during the game considering that both teams are always treated equally? How does the relationship between officials and coaches work? There is also an interesting exchange about how the two view dealing with referees at young talent games. “If I want to have respect, I have to show respect,” notes Müller, as the anger towards officials in the young talent leagues often reaches inappropriate levels. It's not just that referees communicate with everyone involved in a game, but choosing the right type of communication, including gestures and facial expressions, is a fine art. “Communication is very important but it is very difficult to manage it correctly.” Our national coach for science and training also finds the work of referee coaches during games very interesting.
In addition to better structures, more efficient exchanges and a pleasant atmosphere for good cooperation, Gerhard Müller is optimistic about the coming years when it comes to the further development of refereeing in German ice hockey.
The new podcast episode of “Coach the Coach” with Gerhard Müller is available here.