Less Yelling in Norwegian Football: Pilot Project Sees Matches Flow Better

Norwegian football is witnessing a positive shift in player conduct, thanks to a pilot project tackling protests against referees. The initiative, which introduces time-based penalties for dissent, has yielded remarkable results, particularly in leagues like NFF Oslo. Referee Aleksa Radovanovic notes a palpable decrease in "negative pressure," stating, "There is much less protest against us referees today after the introduction of the measure. We get more play than before, and the matches flow better."

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There is much less protest against us referees today after the introduction of the measure. We get more play than before, and the matches flow better.

Data from the 2025 season is compelling. In the 4th division men's league, leagues implementing the rule saw only 0.07 protest cards per match. In contrast, leagues without the rule reported between 0.31 and 0.44 protest cards per match – a four to six times higher rate. Trond Ivar Døvle, the refereeing manager at the Norwegian Football Federation (NFF), confirmed, "There is a significant decrease in the number of yellow cards for protests against the referee. This means that football players absolutely have the ability to focus on the most important thing, which is the game and having fun."

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There is a significant decrease in the number of yellow cards for protests against the referee. This means that football players absolutely have the ability to focus on the most important thing, which is the game and having fun.

This pilot project is crucial for addressing a critical issue: the shortage of referees. "We have far too few referees, and then we must do something to recruit and retain more," Døvle explained. While various measures have been attempted, this specific rule change appears to be the most effective single initiative. The evaluation shows that protest cards dropped from 8.1% of all yellow cards in 2024 to 3.7% in 2025. Herman Skurdal Holthe, responsible for referee development in NFF Oslo, added, "Our referees and mentors report a better atmosphere at matches around the circuit, and that it is more pleasant to be a referee now."

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We have far too few referees, and then we must do something to recruit and retain more. While many measures have been attempted previously, this is undoubtedly the single measure with the greatest effect.

From our perspective at Aftenposten, this initiative highlights a successful, locally-driven solution to a widespread problem in football. While international discussions often focus on rule changes for the game itself, this Norwegian approach tackles the crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of referee welfare and respect. The positive impact on player behavior and the improved experience for referees demonstrate that fostering a more respectful environment is key to the health of the sport, especially in lower divisions and youth leagues where recruitment is most challenging. The hope is that this pilot will be rolled out nationwide, creating a more sustainable and enjoyable footballing culture for everyone involved.

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Our referees and mentors report a better atmosphere at matches around the circuit, and that it is more pleasant to be a referee now.