American Football League Europe launches Officiating Department to set new standards in European American Football

A professional officiating program for European American Football

Referees are often an overlooked part of the game, but the AFLE is placing them in the spotlight. The newly introduced Officiating Department is designed to create a performance-driven and team-oriented officiating program that matches the league’s professional ambitions. Officials are viewed not simply as rule enforcers, but as high-performance athletes who need structure, support and continuous development to operate at the highest level.

The department will include around 80 officials from across Europe, bringing together some of the most qualified referees currently active in the sport. This international approach reflects the league’s broader goal of building a truly European American Football competition with shared standards across borders.

Experienced leadership at the core of the AFLE referee program

Leadership of the Officiating Department is shared by Malte Scholz, Damian Jurzyk and Michael Kattillus, with Scholz also serving as the department’s official representative. The trio is tasked with setting the direction for officiating within the league and establishing structures that support long-term quality and consistency.

By appointing a clearly defined leadership group, the AFLE aims to ensure clear communication channels and accountability. This is especially important in a league that will feature teams from multiple countries, each with its own officiating background and experience.

Consistency, communication and rule interpretation

One of the central goals of the Officiating Department is to create a shared understanding of rules, interpretations and expectations across the league. Consistency in officiating is critical in American Football, where small decisions can have a major impact on momentum, field position and game outcomes.

To achieve this, the department will work closely with the league office and the teams themselves. Open communication between referees, coaches and league officials is intended to reduce misunderstandings and keep the focus where it belongs: on the players and the action on the field.

Officials as Protectors of the Game

The American Football League Europe is also emphasizing the broader role of officials within the sport. Referees are responsible not only for enforcing the rulebook, but for protecting player safety, maintaining competitive integrity and ensuring that games are decided by performance rather than controversy.

By investing in modern training methods and collaborating with leading organizations, the league wants to give its officials the tools they need to perform under pressure, just like players on the field.

Building trust ahead of the 2026 season

With its inaugural season scheduled for this year’s summer, the AFLE is steadily putting the pieces in place to deliver a credible and professional American Football product. The creation of a dedicated Officiating Department sends a clear signal that the league understands the importance of trust, fairness and consistency.

For players, coaches and fans alike, strong officiating can make the difference between chaos and credibility. The AFLE’s approach suggests that referees will be treated as a key part of the league’s long-term vision for a stable and respected home for European American Football.