“I Approached Every Game with Humility,” Recalls Referee David Gráca

After 24 years on the court, David Gráca has decided to end his career as a ball hockey referee. In this interview, he looks back on his early games, international tournaments, and Czech Extraliga finals. Ball hockey has brought him unforgettable experiences and friendship.

A greater emphasis on fitness and mental resilience

David, your Extraliga game between Letohrad and Plzeň was your final one as a referee. What were your feelings at the final whistle?

It was a ride! I couldn’t have chosen a better game for my farewell, especially with the best partner I could ask for — Kuba (Jakub Musil). With a clear mind, I can say this game ranks among the top five of my entire career.

Your refereeing career lasted 24 seasons. When you look back, how would you describe it?

It’s an incredible part of my life — hard to believe it’s been 24 years. Ball hockey was my great passion, and I always approached it with humility and respect for others. Whether I succeeded in that, others must judge (laughs). I experienced things I never imagined, met amazing people and friends, and learned a lot about myself. It was a beautiful era — I had the honor to referee the Czech Extraliga finals in 2018 and 2022, and to participate in international tournaments like the 2018 U16 World Cup and the 2023 World Championships in Liberec (U16, U20, and U23 categories), which I saw as a reward for all the hard work.

What first brought you to refereeing in ball hockey?

My friend Handa (Hanuš Kovárník) — he’s like a brother to me.

Do you still remember your very first game?

I believe it was a 3rd Prague League match in September 2001 at the Malešice rink. My first Men’s Extraliga game was on September 26, 2004, in Hradec Králové with my colleague Vladimír Mach (alias BALÚ), when Třinec was the visiting team. It was a goal-filled thriller that stuck in my memory — lots of goals and a 5:6 final score.

How has ball hockey — and the referee’s role — changed over time?

There’s been a clear shift toward greater emphasis on physical fitness and mental resilience. Ball hockey today is faster, more dynamic, and encourages offensive play to make the sport more exciting for fans.

Self-reflection, learning, and moving forward

In 2018, you officiated at the U16 World Cup. What memories do you have from that experience?

It was my first international experience — an incredible event and an amazing group of people. I took that nomination as a great honor and a chance to see ball hockey on a global level. The cherry on top was being assigned to referee the U16 final between Slovakia and Canada. It was an extraordinary and deeply emotional game.

Five years later, you took part in the World Championships in Liberec (U16, U20, and U23). How did it compare to 2018?

Every international event is unique. The advantage this time was that I already had experience, so I wasn’t as wide-eyed as I was during my debut in Zlín. Liberec was special because it hosted three age categories at once — U16, U20, and U23. I never picked which games I wanted to referee; for me, every assignment was an honor. I approached every game with humility — that was the foundation of my entire career. We had an incredible team of referees. The icing on the cake was being selected for the U20 final between Canada and Slovakia alongside my partner Kuba (Jakub Musil). We truly enjoyed that moment.

Was there ever a situation where you had to make a very difficult decision?

The toughest decision came recently — ending my refereeing career after 24 years in ball hockey.

How did you deal with criticism from coaches, players, or fans?

Self-reflection. Always learn from it and move forward.

Which game was the hardest of your career, and why?

I can’t really name one specific game, but matches in Karlovy Vary were usually the most mentally demanding.

Czech referees belong among the world’s elite

How should a referee prepare for a game — physically and mentally?

It’s individual, depending on one’s approach. It’s a combination of physical preparation — running, calisthenics, recovery — and mental strength. One should also train the psychological side and attend workshops or seminars focused on this area.

What does a referee need to do to reach the top level — such as officiating at the Men’s World Championships?

It comes down to a healthy attitude. Humility is the foundation of success. Then comes physical fitness, mental toughness, language skills (for international events), and of course — self-reflection.

How do you think players and fans’ perception of referees has changed over the past 24 years?

It’s hard to describe in a few words… When things go well, everyone’s happy. But let’s be real — it’s sports; everyone wants to win. I believe Czech referees — men and women alike — are among the world’s elite, even if not everyone sees it that way.

What has your refereeing career given you personally?

An incredible number of experiences, memories, and lifelong friendships.