A portrait about Uwe Haake

"You have to stay on the ball - even if it gets hard"

A life for football - 5,500 games and not a bit tired

If someone looks back on a remarkable referee career with around 5,500 guided games, then it is worth taking a closer look: Uwe Haake, born in 1960, has been active as an impartial. Starting with SV Eintracht Osnabrück, his path led him to SV Rasenport DJK Osnabrück in 1978 - but no matter where he was on the pitch, football was always his compass. On the occasion of his many years of engagement, this contribution takes a look at its motivation, his career and attitude towards referee.

From anger to the impetus - how it all started

Uwe Haake was initially an active player. But an experience away from the ball got the stone rolling: two youth coaches who performed as a referee in a game of their own club showed little interest in impartiality. A key moment for Haake: "I wanted to do that better." A short time later he put on the pipe and started his career. What started as a spontaneous reaction has become the decades.

From the district class square to the Landesliga

The way to the region's sports fields led him through all levels of amateur football. Haake started in the district class, later headed games in the district class and finally stood on the sidelines in two games in the Landesliga.

Between recognition and hostility - moments that stay

Not all memories of 5500 games are positive, but they shape them. Haake reports on encounters in which the sound on the square slipped far below the belt: "Some experiences stood out. Unfortunately, also by violence or desert insults according to decisions that not everyone liked." But such incidents did not throw him off track. On the contrary. They strengthened his conviction of how important respect is on and off the square.

He is particularly remembered by his commitment to the Addi Vetter Cup, a benefit tournament in favor of a children's hospice. He has been on a voluntary basis with other colleagues for years.

What drives him - and what keeps him

What motivates a person to follow the call of the referee whistle for decades? "Praise and thanks, that was often enough to continue." Haake describes his relationship with sport as endurance and enthusiasm. Even if he never looked for the spotlight, he stood on the pitch with attitude and conviction, for the game, for fairness and for sport.

For the next generation: keeping out is worthwhile

Uwe Haake has clear words to young referees:

"Especially at the beginning you come across hurdles. Sometimes you bite to situations, but it pays to stay on the ball."

His most important tips for young referees:

• Do not give up too early - perseverance pays off
• Mistakes are included - nobody is perfect
• Don't lose the fun of the game, even if it is difficult
• Demand respect, but also live yourself

A role model with attitude - Uwe Haake remains a face of the volunteer

Uwe Haake is not a man of big words - but one of the deeds. His decades of performance, its steadfastness in difficult moments and his commitment beyond the field make him an important person in amateur football. 5500 games are an expression of real passion and durability.

Thank you, Uwe Haake - for the game, for use and courage to continue.