For the second time in a row, win2day ICE Hockey League referee Christian Ofner has been nominated for the Ice Hockey World Championship – a special honor that is only given to the best referees. The professional referee, who has “turned his hobby into a career,” enjoys “every moment on the ice” and tells how he became a referee thanks to his colleague Christoph Sternat. He also explains how communication works on the ice and how a game is followed up.
How did you become a referee?
Christian Ofner: “I used to play ice hockey, but in the end it wasn’t enough for a professional career. Nevertheless, I still wanted to do something with ice hockey. There is my colleague Christoph Sternat, who was already a referee. He came to me and asked if I would like to try it too. So I became a referee through Christoph – he basically persuaded me to try it out. Christoph and I have been playing ice hockey together all our lives. We have known each other since we were four years old and he was always a very good friend of mine. When my playing career ended, I thought: Okay, I’ll try the path that Christoph has already taken.”
What motivates you every day to pursue your job as a referee?
Christian Ofner: “For me, the biggest challenge is that every game is different. You never know what’s going to happen tonight. You can prepare mentally, you can know what we want to do, but the game itself always brings surprises. That’s exactly what makes it exciting. I enjoy every day as a referee. I’ve turned my hobby into a career and I’m happy about every moment on the ice.”
How does communication on the ice work within the referee team?
Christian Ofner: “We have various opportunities to exchange ideas on the ice. The power breaks are particularly helpful. There we come together briefly, discuss how the game is going so far, what we need to pay attention to and which players may be more emotional or conspicuous. Communication is often more difficult during the game. There are situations in which we come together briefly for three or four seconds during the game to discuss something before it continues. But mainly we use the power breaks to exchange ideas with each other.”
Which qualities are particularly important for a referee?
Christian Ofner: “Ice skating is the be-all and end-all – you can’t do it without fitness. In addition, mental strength and communication are extremely important. My preparation usually starts the day before: I analyze the two teams, who is the coach, which players are on the ice, how the previous games between the teams went and what positions they occupy in the table. On the day of the game, I have fixed routines: breakfast, an early lap of run or walk – depending on my form on the day – and then I go to the game. The journey can vary in length: sometimes I drive If you take six hours, then your daily routine has to be adjusted.”
What happens to referees after the game?
Christian Ofner: “After the game, there is usually an observer or supervisor on site. Together we discuss what went well, what wasn’t so good and what controversial situations there were. We then analyze some situations again on video. Only then do we start the return journey.”
www.ice.hockey, Image: BWL / Eisenbauer
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