REFEREES
Fistball is a dynamic team sport that requires quick reactions, clear decisions, and a strong sense of fairness. To ensure fair competition and the correct application of the official rules, every match is overseen by a qualified team of referees.
The Role of the Referee Team
A Fistball match is officiated by at least one referee, who is supported by two line referees. The main referee holds the sole decision-making authority during the game and is responsible for managing all aspects of play, including fouls, faults, and scoring. He may receive assistance from a second referee in this regard. The line referees assist by monitoring the sidelines and backlines, helping to ensure correct in/out decisions.
Together, this refereeing team works to uphold the principles of Fair Play, applying the official rules of the game consistently and without bias for both teams.
The IFA Referee Structure
The International Referee Commission (IRC) is the global body under the International Fistball Association tasked with developing, supporting, and maintaining high standards in Fistball refereeing. The IRC works closely with the IFA Sports Commission to ensure the highest level of officiating for international competitions.
The commission is responsible for:
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Defining the quality standards expected of referees at the international level
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Establishing a global evaluation methodology
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Overseeing referee education, training, and development programs
Becoming an International Referee
The international referee system is structured through the International Referee Commission, continental referee bodies, and the certified international referees. Currently, around 60 referees worldwide hold IFA certification to officiate at the international level.
Referees begin their careers at the national level, and those who demonstrate strong performance, rules knowledge, and leadership may be nominated to advance. Achieving IFA international referee status requires meeting established performance criteria and successfully completing a practical evaluation, conducted according to standardized IFA protocols.
Promoting Excellence and Fair Play
Referees play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the game. The IFA is committed to ongoing education and the global development of high-quality referees. Through workshops, clinics, and active mentorship, referees at all levels are encouraged to continuously grow and contribute to the spirit of international Fistball.
Contact
The IFA Referee Commission is led by Gastão Englert from Brazil, a long-standing expert in international Fistball officiating. He is supported by Marcel Meier from Switzerland and Eric Kindler from the USA. Together, they bring extensive experience from different continents and work collaboratively to develop global referee standards, support referee education, and ensure consistent and fair officiating across all IFA-sanctioned competitions.
Gastão Englert
Chair IFA Referee Commission
Marcel Meier
Member IFA Referee Commission
Eric Kindler
Member IFA Referee Commission
WE ARE FISTBALL
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
In every country where fistball is actively practiced, there is a national association with passionate people who are responsible for this sport.
It bundles and represents the interests and is the first point of contact for the athletes and teams in the respective country.
