In the Spotlight: Bandy Federation Referee Film 2026-09-05
In the Spotlight: Behind the Scenes as a Bandy Referee
What really happens behind the whistle? What does matchday look like for a bandy referee – before, during and after the game? In the documentary "Federation Referees – On the Road to the Goal", we get a behind-the-scenes look at the referees, their communication and the sense of community that plays such an important role in refereeing. The film was created by Jonathan Grund, a bandy referee himself, who wants to show a side of refereeing that spectators rarely get to see.
The documentary will be released in three stages during October. The teaser premieres on October 3, followed by Part 1 on October 10 and Part 2 on October 17. This page will be updated with the videos as they are published on YouTube.
Teaser – October 3
A first glimpse into the spotlight and life as a bandy referee. Meet the people behind the whistles and experience the build-up to a match from the referees' perspective.
Meet Jonathan Grund – The Referee Behind the Film
Jonathan Grund knows the role of a referee from the inside. As a bandy referee, he understands just how much happens around a match that spectators never see – from travelling to the arena and preparing with the referee team to communication and split-second decisions out on the ice.
When the opportunity arose to create a film for his final degree project, Jonathan decided to turn the camera towards a world he is part of himself. The result is a documentary that captures not only the match itself but also the people behind the refereeing role.
You've made this documentary, Jonte. Why?
I initially made the film as my final degree project, but I realised it would be fun to show people who aren't particularly familiar with bandy refereeing what actually happens – both out on the ice and who the people behind the whistles really are.
I was heavily inspired by the video of Glenn Nyberg mic'd up during an Allsvenskan football match. I was also asked by the Swedish Bandy Federation whether I could develop the idea further into a short educational video about refereeing in bandy.
The purpose is simply to show that being a referee involves so much more than the time spent officiating a match. It's also about the sense of community and all the preparations surrounding the game.
“The purpose is simply to show that being a referee involves so much more than the time spent officiating a match.”
— Jonathan Grund, bandy referee
What insights have you gained from working with the referees and the footage?
As a referee myself, it was great to edit the film and experience a matchday from a different perspective. I received a lot of help from a classmate with my final degree project, and it was also fun to introduce him to the sport along the way.
It was also interesting to listen back afterwards and hear what we actually say out on the ice. When you're in the middle of a match, you're completely focused on the moment and don't remember much afterwards.
I'm planning to record more matches for my own educational and training purposes. And who knows – perhaps there will be a few shorter clips for social media in the future as well.
How can we work together to encourage more people to become referees, including in bandy?
I believe that if we show more behind-the-scenes content featuring referees in the media and give people the opportunity to get to know us as individuals, perceptions of referees will also change.
Until just a few years ago, there wasn't much media content about referees. The only interaction players, coaches and spectators often had with us was during the hours we spent at the arena. Once we're out on the ice, we become match officials, and that's how most people perceive us because that's where they see us.
If we get the opportunity to show that refereeing is about so much more than the 90 minutes we spend officiating a match, I believe we can generate greater interest in becoming a referee across most sports.
There's a real sense of community when referee teams head off to a match. We might travel to the arena together, grab something to eat before the game and arrive 1.5–2 hours before kick-off. We warm up as a team and chat with players and coaches about anything and everything.
There's so much more to it than simply officiating the match. If people get to see that side of refereeing, I believe more of them will be inspired to pick up a whistle and get involved in their sports.
“If we get the opportunity to show that refereeing is about so much more than the 90 minutes we spend officiating a match, I believe we can generate greater interest in becoming a referee.”
— Jonathan Grund, bandy referee
Part 1 – October 10
In the first part of In the Spotlight, we take a closer look at the referees' matchday. From preparations and team spirit to focus, communication and the situations awaiting them out on the ice.
Part 2 – October 17
In the final part, we continue following the match from the referees' perspective. We get a closer look at their decisions, communication and the work taking place as the game unfolds at high speed out on the ice.
A glimpse into a side of bandy that spectators rarely get the opportunity to see.