In a conversation with Heidi Siefert, the referee Dominik Maffei explains how important the Merkur Cup is to him.
Miesbach - Dominik von Maffei (30) from Miesbach remembers his first Merkur CUP mission vividly. He was slightly tense before the first game more than twelve years ago because it was one of his first missions. Back then everything went smoothly and there was praise from both spectators and supervisors. Today the referee instructor of the Bad Tölz group is more involved as a supervisor for the junior referees. What has accompanied him to every game for more than ten years and should be there until it disintegrates into its individual parts is a Merkur CUP bath towel. The experienced referee told us about shrewd E-Juniors, overzealous parents and media omnipresence.
Mr. von Maffei, how regular are children of the Merkur CUP age?
Of course, that depends a lot on how coaches taught them the rules - and how they should be respected. As a rule, however, they know exactly whether their style of play was a foul or not, after all they have gained their first experience in the U9 fair play league. You have to be there for minor details and support the children. Especially when it comes to handball or penalty kicks.
How much sensitivity is required in this age group?
The referee is often ascribed a sure instinct. But he has to enforce rules - regardless of the situation - exactly as they are laid down. Of course there are areas that leave a margin of discretion. Even up to the county finals, there are sometimes teams that are clearly inferior, and here you have to make sure of course that the fun is not neglected. With a press ball in midfield, you may decide in favor of the previous kickers.
Do you have to be more of a moderator or a person of respect?
The best games for a referee are always those after which you can't remember your name because it wasn't the focus. At the Merkur CUP you have to take on the role of moderator on the one hand, give players freedom, let them play, but take corrective action at the necessary points. On the other hand, the referee as a person of respect must also be treated accordingly. At that age, some players already have a tough time trying to push their limits. Then of course it is important to be consistent.
From the referee's point of view, has the Merkur CUP changed over the years?
Of course, current trends are also noticeable here. It's a big, very well-known tournament in which everyone wants to go as far as possible. This can lead to minor discrepancies. Was the penalty justified? Was the ball behind the line? Increasing media coverage, the omnipresence on social media platforms, especially with video recordings, are changing the pressure. The “Book of Values” is largely observed, but sometimes a resolution takes a back seat; however mostly by parents or carers who may have received targets from the association.
How fair do the teams treat each other?
In my experience, mostly very fair and respectful. Many children know each other at district level from school or other clubs. After a game or tournament you have to look each other in the eye and be able to bolt together, and that usually works very well.
And how fair are parents on the sidelines?
They can be unfair and sometimes unsporting. Many do not even notice that. You see your child, cheer on their team, want them to win. The referee or an opposing player or coach can get into the crosshairs of criticism. There are not only calls to the field, but there are also loud differences of opinion between parents and coaches. With the Merkur CUP this is usually limited. The establishment of spectator areas and the broad communication of values have played their part in this.
Are Merkur CUP games like any other?
For us referees, the games are different. Given the fact that we don't actually play any competitive games for the E-Juniors. So you have to be prepared for the smaller playing field and the few special rules of the Merkur CUP. Otherwise they are comparable to normal games. The tournaments are often manned by junior referees who gain their first practical experience after the newcomer course and are accompanied by experienced colleagues. It is certainly something very special for players and coaches, as you have to compete with numerous other teams and you usually only take part in the Merkur CUP once.
Heidi Siefert conducted the interview.