Danish and Swedish league official Svensson visited Finnish leagues
In July an experienced Swedish official Dennis Svensson participated both men and women main leagues in Finland, volunteering totally in three games while a free weekend from his main officiating jobs for men’s Danish national league and Swedish Superseries. Living in Herlev, a suburb to Copenhagen, he can easily reach both leagues.
Svensson started in sport originally in 1998 as a player in Ystad, Sweden. He has also coached since 2000 and included supporting officiating career to selection already in 2002. In 2023 he chose officiating as his main role in the sport.
Finnish officiating committee welcomes warmly international visitors to participate our games. Due to common IFAF rules and officiating mechanics all licensed IFAF country officials are eligible to visit our games. However, all are scouted for background with their own IFAF organizations through IFAF Country Contacts and set to games suitable to their experience. Same goes when Finns want to visit other IFAF countries for officiating.
With Svensson the choice of level was naturally on top games. Head of Officiating Joonas Seppelin was especially delighted on the level of professionalism in Svensson’s performance, starting from the pregame preparations, visible in his attitude, communication and overall appearance during the games.
-Dennis is competent and experienced operator on multiple positions. His physical presence and rules knowhow were respected in the weekend crews. We warmly welcome him back.
When asked about our game level, Svensson notes the men’s league tempo being some places higher compared to Danish and Swedish leagues and the import rules differing. He also enjoyed officiating 11-player women’s league, that is very rare in other Nordic countries.
-It was an awesome experience to join these crews and see you guys’ work. Everyone was very open and welcoming to the input and thoughts I had coming with other philosophies. Absolutely something to recommend others to do, and I will most definitely return.
We warmly welcome him back. Finnish leagues have had volunteering visitors, especially during the international competitions run in Finland. As ITO’s, the International IFAF Technical Officials, travel to competitions, they often want to experience the local level of football. Level of game here has been ranked high all in men, women and juniors. This is to thank both teams and level of officiating.
Are you interested in officiating tackle or flag football?
– If yes, please contact officiating committee at etv@sajl.fi for further information or scout Finnish content from our website with e.g. Google translator application: https://jenkkifutis.fi/palvelut/erotuomareille/ Background as a player or coach may help the start, but is not a requirement.
Photos: Laura Helminen, Alexandra Naumanen
