Meet the Officials

International Referees at the Swedish Cup – Lars Carlsson & Ingemar Proos

Year after year, the Swedish Cup brings together athletes, coaches, volunteers – and officials of the very highest experience. Among them are international referees Lars Carlsson and Ingemar Proos, both with long careers in military and international shooting sport. Their presence adds not only professionalism, but also continuity and trust to the competition.

Why Swedish Cup – Year After Year?

For Ingemar Proos, the answer is straightforward.

“It’s simply a very pleasant competition,” he says. “We’ve been coming here for around six years now, and we’re happy to return. You meet a lot of people – old friends and new ones.”

Lars Carlsson points out that referees do not choose events on their own initiative.

“We don’t come here on our own,” he explains. “We’re appointed by the chief referee. That’s why we’re here.”

That said, motivation goes far beyond formal assignments.

“Of course it’s enjoyable,” Lars adds. “More people should realise how rewarding officiating can be. And we especially need more women to become referees – that’s something the federation really should focus on recruiting.”

From Military Service to International Refereeing

Both referees share a background rooted in military shooting sport.

Lars’ journey began in 1995 within the military shooting system. In 1999, he was sent to the Military World Games in Croatia.

“There, I was ordered to act as a referee,” he recalls. “In the military, there’s a clear hierarchy – you do what you’re told. And since then, it’s just continued.”

Over the years, he has completed numerous referee courses both in Sweden and internationally.

“We’ve officiated at roughly five Military Olympic Games and countless military World Championships. My refereeing career started in 1999 and, for some inexplicable reason, it’s still going.”

Ingemar’s path followed a similar route.

“I started the same way – as a shooter in the military team, and then as a referee,” he says. “My first assignment was in Denmark in 2001. Later, we completed C and B referee courses around 2007, and from there it just continued.”

His experience includes at least four Military Olympic Games, regular Nordic championships, and several military World Championships.

“So yes,” he smiles, “it’s added up to quite a bit.”

What Has Been the Most Rewarding Part?

For Ingemar, the highlight comes down to people and perspective.

“Especially now, towards the later part of my career, it’s the opportunity to travel and meet people from all over the world,” he says. “Different cultures, different ways of thinking – it’s been an incredible experience.”

Lars agrees, but highlights another aspect close to his heart.

“Helping shooters, especially young ones,” he says. “Supporting them along the way. Our philosophy isn’t to wave red, yellow, green or blue cards. It’s to support the shooter, help them feel calm on the firing line so they can continue.”

He notes that many athletes are understandably nervous, particularly when officials appear in formal referee attire.

“If we can reduce that stress, we’ve done our job well.”

Thoughts on Changes to the Competition Format

Asked about recent changes to the competition programme, Lars admits it came as something of a surprise.

“The biggest surprise this year is how the programme has been reorganised. The changes came around New Year, so there hasn’t been much time to fully absorb everything. But we’ll manage.”

Ingemar sees clear potential in the new structure.

“I haven’t had time to study it in depth yet,” he says. “But there’s a lot to consider. If the administrative and organisational work is handled properly, things become much calmer out on the range.”

He adds:

“The idea of running full blocks of pistol and full blocks of rifle is actually very good.”

With decades of experience, calm authority and a clear athlete-focused philosophy, Lars Carlsson and Ingemar Proos represent the kind of officiating that helps make the Swedish Cup both fair and welcoming – for newcomers and world-class shooters alike.