CAPTURING INTENSITY AT THE UEFA REFEREES WORKSHOP

By Adam Docker

In 2023, I was commissioned to photograph the UEFA referees workshops held in Cyprus and Lisbon. Every year, UEFA brings together its referees for a series of demanding conferences designed to push them to their limits, physically, mentally, and professionally.

The workshops are more than meetings. They are a testing ground where referees are measured on their fitness levels, decision-making abilities, and knowledge of the game. If they fail to meet the standards, they can’t officiate in top-level competitions. The challenges are gruelling: intense physical drills under the Mediterranean sun, mental pressure tests, and detailed reviews of match decisions.

Overseeing it all is Roberto Rosetti, UEFA’s Head of Referees, whose role is to ensure refereeing standards continue to evolve. Sessions include video replays from the past year, moments of controversy, and candid discussions. Praise is rare, and mistakes are dissected, sometimes sharply.

UEFA brought me in to capture the motion and atmosphere of these workshops. They wanted images that went beyond simple documentation, photographs that would convey the intensity, focus, and energy of the referees in action. My slow shutter speed and flash technique was perfect for the job, allowing me to freeze moments of speed, agility, and effort while still showing the flow of movement.

From sprint drills to split-second reaction tests, every frame told the story of discipline and determination.

Away from the running tracks and tactical discussions, I also created portraits of all the referees. These weren’t just headshots; I wanted to show the character and resilience of the individuals behind the whistle. Many of them are veterans of the Champions League and international tournaments, carrying years of high-pressure experience in their expressions.

The referees’ workshops are a reminder that football is not just about the players. Behind every match is a team of officials who prepare as rigorously as the athletes they oversee. Capturing their dedication was a privilege, and my goal was to give UEFA a visual record that reflected the professionalism, demands, and human side of refereeing at the highest level.