Fit for any decision
With Dr. Ulrich Schneider, the elite referees remain healthy, resilient, and high-performing.
Photo: private
Have article read aloud
They cover more than ten kilometers in every game, sprint at intervals, and have to keep a clear head at all times, even under extreme pressure: soccer referees are among the most demanding players on the field. For over two decades, the sports medicine department at the Sportklinik Hellersen, headed by Dr. Ulrich Schneider, has been the medical backbone of the German referees' guild. With his expertise, he examines, analyzes, and supports the referees, ensuring that they are physically fit and mentally strong enough to meet the high demands of the stadium.
Although referees rarely take center stage, professional soccer would be impossible without them. Their job requires much more than knowledge of the rules and mental strength. It also demands exceptional physical fitness. “A referee has to run ten to twelve kilometers during a game, sprinting repeatedly and making decisions in a fraction of a second. And that's with a pulse rate of 180,” explains Dr. Ulrich Schneider, Chief of Sportmedizin Hellersen.
Photo: Thomas Böcker/DFB
A trusted partner of the DFB since 1998
To ensure that they remain fit for duty, referees undergo regular comprehensive medical check-ups. Since 1998, the sports medicine department at the Sportklinik Hellersen has been one of the DFB's official examination centers for Bundesliga referees. Under the direction of Dr. Ulrich Schneider, the clinic combines internal medicine, orthopedic, and sports physiology examinations. The examinations include cardiac ultrasound, stress ECG, blood analyses, and treadmill tests.
However, sports medicine care is not limited to standardized check-ups. The medical team uses the data collected to create individual performance profiles, which are incorporated into training and recovery plans in close consultation with the DFB's athletic trainers. The aim is to manage stress in a targeted manner and avoid injuries as far as possible. Together with the athletic trainers, physiotherapists, and referees of the DFB, Sportmedizin Hellersen has conducted a study on the frequency and typical types of injuries among referees. “This allows us to work together to develop a profile of which injuries occur frequently and analyze which preventive measures can be taken to avoid them,” explains Dr. Ulrich Schneider. The result: injuries to referees are similar to those suffered by players. Muscular problems, such as injuries to the hamstrings, are particularly common. These studies are being continued on an ongoing basis in order to further improve prevention and training management.
“I'm not just there for the referees during check-ups, but also as a point of contact at any time, whether it's after an injury, illness, or if they have questions about managing stress.”
Dr. Ulrich Schneider
Chief of Sportmedizin Hellersen
One contact person for all situations
The doctor is also an important part of the team at training camps. At the beginning of 2025, he accompanied the Bundesliga referees to the Algarve. There, he advised them individually on resilience, regeneration, and prevention and provided support with sports medicine analyses. “I'm not just there for the referees during check-ups, but also as a point of contact at any time, whether it's after an injury, illness, or if they have questions about managing stress,” says the sports physician, describing his role.
Photo: Thomas Böcker/DFB
The doctor behind the referees
Dr. Ulrich Schneider is a specialist in internal medicine with additional qualifications in sports medicine and chiropractic therapy. He has been working at the Sportklinik Hellersen since 2000 and has been head of the sports medicine department since 2015. In addition to providing regular care for referees, he accompanied the women's national team to the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand for the first time in 2023, together with his colleague Dr. Tobias Schmenn. Dr. Ulrich Schneider is one of the most renowned sports physicians in Germany and has received several awards as a “top physician.”
