About Freek van Herk

Who am I?

I am Freek van Herk, active as a referee for over 16 years. In the Netherlands, I officiated matches at all levels — from youth football to the Eerste Divisie — and was active as a fourth official and VAR in the Eredivisie. After my career in top football, my passion for refereeing remained undiminished.

Referee Developer

Since moving to Norway, I referee at the third national level and work part-time as a Referee Developer in the Hordaland district. In this role, I am responsible for:

• Appointing and guiding referees at the fourth level,
• Coaching young talents,
• The continuity of the regional NORCORE program,
• Developing and delivering workshops and themed sessions within refereeing.

Coaching Approach

What characterizes me as a coach is the combination of extensive practical experience and strong coaching skills. I know what it's like to perform under pressure, deal with resistance, and continuously improve yourself.

I look beyond just your positioning or correct interpretation of the rules. My guidance also focuses on presence, self-confidence, mental strength, and personal growth. My background as a physiotherapist and lifestyle coach helps me understand and support referees both as people and officials.

Whether you're just starting or have been officiating at a high level for years: I help you progress with personal coaching, match analyses, and practical tools. Accessible, goal-oriented, and tailored to your ambition.