Helga Tschörner, first female referee in Serie A

Helga Tschörner is married and mother of three children (including twins who already play ice hockey - editor's note). And yet there is something that sets her apart from many other women, namely her great passion for ice hockey. She has been an ice hockey referee for many years, but so far always in the lower leagues. On Tuesday she whistled for the first time in a game in the top Italian league in Vipiteno. After her premiere, Tschörner seems tired but satisfied. This is exactly how she imagined her debut in the upper house.

SportNews.bz: Helga Tschörner, what do you feel after your first game? Helga Tschörner: Actually nothing special. It was a moment that I had been waiting and working towards for a long time. But it was a game like any other. I hope that I can continue to prove myself in the future.

They live a very intense life, between work and family. As a mother of three, where do you find the time to also work as a referee?

I just try to take the time. Being a referee is my great passion. I like it and makes me happy. Every year I referee around 50 games and for me every match is equally important. I try to do my job and make sure the rules are followed. It's actually not that difficult.

Ice hockey players are generally considered grumpy and uncouth. Doesn't it sometimes happen that you, as a referee, have difficulty officiating the game?

Look, my job is to make sure the rules are followed. And that always happens, no matter what league I'm in. Players and coaches respect me because they know that I won't give in and won't compromise with them. This has little to do with the fact that I am a woman. On the ice, I'm a referee like everyone else. I have been able to gain a lot of experience over the past few years and have earned a certain respect. That's why I don't have any problems.

How did you become a referee?

I played ice hockey as a goalkeeper for the Eagles in Bozen. After that I also played in the USA, later in Innsbruck. At the same time, I also started officiating my first games, thanks to a special permit. I liked it straight away and here I am with hundreds of games under my belt and ten World Championships. Yes, there must have been ten (laughs). As long as I'm having fun, I'll keep doing it.

You are the first female referee in Italy to take charge of a Serie A match. You have made history.

I hope I'm not the last! There are some female referees in Italy. Miriam Gruber, who is a linesman in Serie B, immediately comes to mind. They all have a great passion for this activity. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Renzo Stenico, who helped me a lot and gave me valuable tips. I hoped that I would get to Serie A at some point. But now it's time to keep your feet on the ground.

Who is Helga Tschörner on and off the ice?

A determined woman who likes to gain respect.

And what does your family say about your passion?

Nothing. My twins started playing ice hockey at the age of six. We have this sport in our blood. As long as I enjoy it, I will continue to be a referee. I don't have any specific goals. In January I will be on duty at the World Cup in France. It will be a great adventure and, most importantly, I can continue to gain experience. You never have enough of it.

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Helga Tschörner, first female referee in Serie A

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