Referee in focus: Andreas “der.pfeifemann” Schlick

Passion for futsal, youth work and a look behind the scenes

  @der.pfeifemann

Futsal grows, entis evolving and becoming increasingly important. At the same time, a look behind the scenes shows that development always brings with it challenges. It is precisely this mixture that makes the sport exciting.

As part of ours Year of referee sports Let's talk to personalities who are actively shaping this path. One of them is Andreas Schlick, better known to many on Instagram as “the.pipe man” — long-time referee, referee representative in the club and committed community initiator.

“I wanted to know what others were doing better”

Andreas’ commitment arose from genuine curiosity:

“I wanted to know what other associations were doing when it came to recruiting referees.”

 This curiosity led him from actively whistling to organizational tasks and even working with young people in the circle.

His approach is deliberately pragmatic:

“I always ask in clubs: How many referees do you have in the club?”

 The answers are often surprising - and show how important active club work is.

Commitment beyond the field

In addition to his work as a referee, Andreas is active in the club as a referee representative. He organizes training, accompanies young referees and even reports on developments at general meetings.

Clubs benefit when refereeing work is organized visibly and in a structured manner. 

His commitment is having an impact: After the Corona period, the number of referees in the district grew from under 100 to over 150. 

Futsal: technical, dynamic – and often misunderstood

One of Andreas' central concerns is raising awareness about futsal.

Many people still equate the sport with classic indoor football. Futsal differs significantly:

• higher tempo and fluid flow of the game                              @maikgrueneschappe
• Clearly regulated game continuations
• greater focus on technology and game intelligence
• internationally uniform set of rules

“Indoor football is not the same as futsal”

Andreas explains that mixed forms are still often played:

Indoor tournaments are often still played with boards or roll-ups. 

This transition phase is typical of a sport in transition - and at the same time shows how great the development potential is.

Visibility starts at school

Many children learn futsal for the first time through the Fritz Walter Cup know. 

But after that, the connection is often missing:

“The children learn about futsal at school – but they hardly continue to play it afterwards.”

Andreas sees great potential here in particular: clubs could take up this enthusiasm and develop it further.

Infrastructure makes a difference

The challenge does not always lie in the sport itself, but in the surrounding conditions:

• limited hall times
• Competition with other indoor sports
• unsuitable halls
• missing transition zones

“If the hall is not suitable, futsal will be difficult to implement.”

This makes it clear: Futsal rarely fails because of interest - but often because of the infrastructure.

Futsal referees: increasing interest

The demand for futsal referees is growing significantly.

All futsal referees are also football referees and take advantage of the opportunities for further training.

A course that was planned for around ten participants ultimately attracted around 20 interested people.

New referees are deliberately placed with experienced colleagues to make it easier to get started.

This patent system strengthens safety and quality equally.

“As we grow, it becomes visible”

Public relations and digital communication play a crucial role.

“If we break the mark, I’ll make it visible via Instagram.”

Engagement creates attention — and attention creates new motivation.

Being a referee strengthens your personality and future opportunities

A particularly impressive example shows how commitment has an impact beyond sport.

A young referee was asked to explain futsal in the assessment center. His presentation convinced the examiners:

“He was supposed to explain what futsal was – then they said: We have to have it.”

For Andreas, this experience shows what skills are taught through refereeing:

• Communication
• Sense of responsibility
• Decision-making ability
• Self-assurance

Commitment to refereeing can be a real advantage in your professional life. 

Passion and community

In addition to organization and training, Andreas also lives his passion in the community.

Through his account “Schiriboom” and community campaigns, he shows insights into everyday refereeing and strengthens the exchange between colleagues.

One thing is certain for him: a look behind the scenes promotes understanding and appreciation for referees.

Why young people should choose futsal and refereeing 

His message to young referees is clear:

• Commitment strengthens personality and self-confidence
• Support from experienced colleagues is guaranteed
• Further training opportunities are diverse
• Entry opportunities are low-threshold

Futsal courses are organized in a compact manner and offer an ideal introduction.

Futsal as an opportunity for the future

The conversation clearly shows: Futsal stands for dynamism, development and enormous future potential.

The sport offers:

✔ fast, technically demanding football
✔ ideal entry levelöopportunities fur referee
✔ new perspectives fur recruiting young talent
✔ international connectionäability
✔ Developing important life skills                                                                                                                                                            @maikgrueneschlappe

Challenges are part of this process — while also opening up opportunities for growth, innovation and collaboration.

Conclusion: Development comes from commitment

Andreas Schlick represents many committed referees who take responsibility and actively develop the sport.

His efforts show that the future of refereeing will emerge where commitment, collaboration and visibility come together.

And futsal in particular has enormous potential.