Referee Aleš Horský: As a spectator, I can compare Petr Novák’s goal to Nagano

Aleš Horský was one of the most respected referee personalities in the world of ball hockey. He officiated at many major events, including the last two World Championships held in the Czech Republic for both men and women. What memories does he carry from these tournaments?

Plzeň was my first World Championship

Mr. Horský, you have had a rich officiating career and experienced two home World Championships. How did you get into ball hockey and refereeing? Were you a referee from the start, or did you also play?

I was a player first. I played in Třebíč—first the 1st League and later the Extraliga. I was a goaltender, and because there weren’t many of us back then and teams often played two games a day, when my colleague was in net, I sometimes stepped out as a skater. I even scored a goal once—if I remember correctly, it was in Polička.

I actually became a referee by force. At that time, clubs in the Extraliga were required to have two referees in their region, so the choice in our team fell on me and another teammate.

When Třebíč was relegated from the Extraliga, my refereeing career began. Roman Vokurka and Petr Chytil—both from Jihlava—took me under their wing. Through them, I gradually got into Extraliga matches. And when Petr Chytil ended his top-level refereeing career about two years later, I took his place next to Roman. Our partnership lasted more than 20 great years.

You refereed two home World Championships. What memories stand out?

Plzeň was my first Worlds. I was very nervous, and to be honest, I don’t remember much of my own games—except the match Pakistan vs. Finland, which got a bit rough for a moment, but we handled it (laughs). I mostly officiated women’s games there, so it was calmer and more polite overall. The Championship was incredibly well organized, and the highlight was that unforgettable final—Czech Republic vs. India—and Petr Novák’s overtime winner. That was truly one of the strongest sports moments of my life as a spectator. I can honestly compare it to Nagano, to the Czech football team’s win over the Netherlands at Euro 2004, or to Kateřina Neumannová’s Olympic gold in Turin.

The 2017 Worlds in Pardubice were a different story. By then, I was already very experienced, including on the international stage, and ball hockey had made huge progress. The sport was faster, more tactical, and the players were at a much higher level. You could no longer just be a hockey player stopping by after the season and expect to be among the best. Ball hockey had evolved into a sport where, if you want to compete internationally, you must sacrifice a lot—even from your personal life. And the same applied to referees.

Referees in the Czech Republic had made great strides since Plzeň. As always, I must highlight the exceptional quality of Czech referees—they truly stand out in the world. At every World Championship, more Czech referees participate than from any other country, and they are assigned to the toughest games.

I personally officiated the semifinal Canada vs. Greece—a very powerful experience—and it turned out to be my last game at a men’s World Championship.

Could you compare the Championships in Plzeň and Pardubice? What changed the most over those eight years?

Ball hockey in Pardubice was much faster overall, with higher demands on both players and referees. For the first time, video review was allowed—unfortunately only after the controversial Czech Republic vs. USA game—but it sped up the decision-making to implement video across the board.

Pardubice also offered a fan zone where spectators could warm up before entering the arena. Plzeň, however, had that golden ending I mentioned earlier. Each Worlds has its own magic—not just for players but also for referees. Representing your country is the greatest honor in any sport, at least for me.

Aleš Horský also officiated at the World Championship in Plzeň 2009. Photo credit: Zdeněk Vaiz.

I definitely want to come to Ostrava

How did the demands on referees change throughout your career?

A lot. Whether it’s physical fitness tests (done every year), or the written rules tests (also every year)—and trust me, you won’t pass them without preparation. A Junior Referee Program was introduced to groom young officials for top competitions.

Video review became standard in almost every Extraliga match, creating more pressure on referees because every mistake is visible. On the other hand, it helps unify decision-making and massively improves the quality of officiating and competition.

Referees now also work on psychology—managing emotions, communicating with players and staff, all taught in referee seminars. Compared to when I started, the demands are completely different.

What’s the biggest difference between the Czech Extraliga and the international stage?

Speed—international ball hockey is faster in every way. You’re officiating the best of every country, and that’s noticeable.

There’s also more pressure at a World Championship. Referees must adapt not only to faster play but also to larger rinks used internationally—you must be in great physical condition.

Some rules differ slightly from those used in the Czech Republic, especially in judging certain infractions. These differences are small but important. And if I may poke a bit (laughs): players from Canada or the USA generally show more respect for referees. That’s simply how it is.

Do you plan to attend the World Championship in Ostrava? Are you still following ball hockey?

I definitely want to come. I travel to Ostrava for work quite often.

I follow ball hockey only marginally now—I’m very busy—but I do miss it a bit. I truly enjoyed it, and 20 years in the top leagues left me with incredibly strong memories. I won’t miss the World Championship.