Meet the inspiring Sina Diekmann, whose ability to make a quick decision and to communicate it effectively has taken her to leading positions on and off the football pitch.
Sina Diekmann, 36 years-old, was one of the first five employees in the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games’ organising committee. “I have been here for the whole journey, in charge of three functional areas”, she explains. “Working for the Games during the week, and on the weekends on duty as a football referee.”
She has been in the middle of the pitch of the women’s top division in Germany for 10 years now and was also a FIFA assistant (line judge) up until this year. “I did both on a high level, but then had to choose, and I definitely prefer the whistle to the flag!” she admits with a smile.
Before Games Time, Sina Diekmann had gotten into the habit of changing from the navy RR2025 top into her black or coloured uniform and drop the mouse, pen or microphone for a whistle and possibly yellow or red card come every Friday evening.
She tells us about her story and hopes to inspire many young men and women to take up refereeing careers, as the programme YouRef encourages them to do.
-Sina, what made you suddenly pick up refereeing?
-My grandfather Jochen was a referee and I was his only grandchild who played football. Every time I saw him, he bugged and bugged again for me to try to be a referee. So in the end I did the beginners course only to shut him up… and ended up liking a lot!
-So you were both a footballer and a referee?
Yes, I played football up until the age of 19, and started refereeing at 15-years-old. But of course I had to chose, since all games are scheduled during the weekends. I never regretted my choice!
-According to you, what makes a good referee?
-First of all I would say being stress resistant and the ability to focus and remain in your bubble. Then be patient with yourself and learn the other skills. You end up adding new ones to your “toolkit” every match. And of course I believe it is important to have practiced the sport you are working in, to have an insider understanding of it.
Speaking of the Games during the week…© Rhine-Ruhr 2025/Andrea Bowinkelmann
And posing for the official Women’s Bundesliga picture at the weekend. Two sides of the same person. ©Yuliia Perekopaiko/DFB
-In both your roles, communication is also key…
-Of course! The communication with the referee assistants and fourth officials has to be well practiced. You always have to be the leader in that small team. Body language is also key. I try to remain clear, respectful and transparent. But of course this also depends on how the players approach me… This of course is also the case in everyday life.
Different microphones, different attitudes, but Sina
Diekmann always manages to get her message across. © Tobias Mühlsteff and Rhine-Ruhr 2025/Andrea Bowinkelmann
-From the outside, refereeing seems pretty tough…
-I would still recommend it to everyone! You learn so many tools that you can use for your private and professional lives. Like being neutral and diplomatic, like making fast and clear decisions, which is often pretty hard. And then moving on, because what is done is done. It really boosts your self-confidence and you learn so much about yourself. When you manage to deal with the amount of stress that comes with directing even a low level game, you are so proud of yourself.
-Do referees who share the same passion spend time together outside the pitch?
-Of course! Huge socialising is part of the fun and I have been making great friendships for over 15 years. We are always part of the game and of a bigger team. I have seen so many cool stadiums and travelled to many great places. These are experiences that money can’t buy!
Sina Diekmann adressing the Heads of Delegations of the participants with Organising Committee CEO Niklas Börger during a meeting in spring.| © Rhine-Ruhr 2025/Andrea Bowinkelmann
-Are you involved in teaching young referees?
-I sometimes take part in regional courses, yes, and share my experiences. It is so cool to see you are an inspiration.
-What else can help promote refereeing?
-There have been documentaries on referees, on how they see the game from the inside which are super interesting. And in the Bundesliga, you can collect cards with referees on them.
-How has this carrer changed you?
-As I said, it has changed me a lot for the better, but I must admit that never again will I watch a football game the same way: my eyes always go on the referee first. It doesn’t happen with other team sports…
-And we imagine you have made your grandfather proud…
-Oh yes, he collected all my autograph cards and every single article that was ever written about me.
If you are interested in a career in refereeing or to find out more, click here and follow YouRef on LinkedIn.