Tian Jin Makes History as First Female Referee in Chinese Men’s Football Match
The landscape of professional football referees is evolving, with women referees making significant strides in the industry. Tian Jin recently made history as the first female referee to officiate the main match of a Chinese men’s football professional match. Her landmark moment came during the seventh round of the Chinese League Two this season when Shanghai Haigang B team faced off against Quanzhou Yaxin Team.
Tian Jin, a young international referee born in 1993, expressed feeling some pressure due to the faster pace of men’s professional football. However, once the game started, she was able to focus entirely on the match, allowing her to officiate with confidence and skill. Tian Jin’s achievement showcases the growing presence of women referees in men’s football matches.
This trend is not unique to China, as female referees are increasingly participating in various men’s football matches worldwide. In April of this year, Xie Lijun became the first female referee to officiate in the top professional league of men’s football in China. As an elite assistant referee of the AFC, Xie Lijun has an impressive resume, including officiating important events such as the Women’s Asian Cup and the U20 Women’s Asian Cup finals.
The inclusion of female referees in Chinese men’s football professional matches represents a significant step towards gender equality in the sport. FIFA President Infantino has emphasized the importance of promoting gender equality and eliminating social discrimination against women through the inclusion of female referees in international events.
As female participation in football refereeing continues to grow, football associations are prioritizing the training and selection of female referees. Women bring unique skills to the field, including strong communication abilities and a calm approach to conflict resolution, which can enhance the overall officiating experience.
While the number of female referees in both Chinese and world football remains relatively small, efforts are being made to accelerate the training and promotion of female referees. The goal is to create a level playing field where female referees can compete on an equal footing with their male counterparts and contribute their expertise to the sport.
As the world of football embraces more female referees, the future looks bright for “her power” to shine on the green field and inspire future generations of women in the industry.