Calm down breaks are to be introduced in German amateur football to counter violence and avoid matches having to be abandoned. The German Football Federation (DFB) said on Wednesday that the pilot project sanctioned by the rule-making International Football Association Board (IFAB) will be used from the fifth tier downwards. When the referee calls for a calm down break players must gather in their own penalty area while captains, coaches and others are informed in the centre circle by the referee why he called for the break and how long it will last. They are also told to calm down players, sp…