Referee Malte Scholz retires: "Emotional, but the right decision”
Florian Puth
After nearly 20 years as an official in American football, Malte Scholz has announced his retirement as an active game official. Since 2021, he has officiated 55 games in the European League of Football, including the Championship Games in 2021 and 2024. With his extensive experience, Scholz is considered one of the most prominent officials in Europe.
"Of course, the last game is always emotional, but for me, it felt like the right decision", Scholz said in an interview with the ELF editorial team. He emphasized that the decision was deliberate, as his personal and professional priorities had shifted.
Scholz remains Head of Officiating
Even after retiring from on-field duties, Scholz will continue to serve as Head of Officiating in the ELF. In this role, he focuses on developing structures, training officials, and improving communication. Scholz places great emphasis on transparency and the exchange with fans.
"The retirement allows me to focus more on building structures, training, and communication to continue supporting the league effectively", Scholz explained. He underlined that officiating only works if decisions are accepted, and acceptance can only be achieved through open and honest communication.
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"Being an official is not an end in itself"
Scholz has a clear vision for his work: "Being an official is not an end in itself. We officials are here to provide players with a fair game and to create the platform for that." He highlighted those standards can only be set in close collaboration with the sporting leadership.
What Scholz loves most about American football is the complexity of the sport, the tactical elements, the rules, and above all, the football community following the credo: Football is family. In an interview with German broadcaster ProSieben, he added: "That I was able to do all of this was not just because of me. It was thanks to the great official I work with, Nommi (meaning Andreas Nommensen), and all of you fans out there." This team spirit and the values of the sport have been central to his career in the ELF.
See you later - not goodbye
Scholz does not rule out a return to officiating: "I see my departure as a see you for now, but I will never close a door." In addition, there are thoughts about continuing to officiate youth games.
Malte Scholz will remain a key figure in the ELF both on and off the field and continue to shape the league in organizational and sporting matters.
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