Send us a textI had the pleasure of being a guest on the High Kicks Podcast. The discussion was fun and informative. I had a blast talking about what I love about being a ref and the challenges of being an official in the beautiful game. The episode ventures into the world of professional refereeing, where the pressure is immense and errors are an inevitable part of the job. We offered a compelling look at the human side of officiating, recognizing the split-second decisions referees mus...

Send us a textJan Ter Hamsel, the creator behind the influential Dutch Referee Blog (dutchreferee.com & @dutchreferee on Instagram), offers a unique look into the life and development of soccer referees around the globe. Join us as Jan shares the inspiration behind his blog, which has grown into an educational hub for referees seeking both personal and professional growth. He contrasts the robust training and development pathways available in the Netherlands with the limited opportunities...

Send us a textAre you ready to conquer the challenges of refereeing in cold weather conditions? Discover why I, David Gerson, prefer the chill to the sweltering heat and hear all about my top tips for staying warm on the pitch. Learn how you can maintain your professionalism while keeping comfortable, with insights into acceptable cold weather gear for referees and grassroots officials. We’ll explore everything from hats to long pants, ensuring you’re prepared for any icy encounter on the fie...

Send us a textReady to elevate your refereeing game to the next level? Discover how to stay warm while exuding professionalism on the pitch as I, David Gerson, share my top tips for cold-weather gear. From hats and gloves to logo-free attire, learn the nuances of what’s permissible in grassroots soccer and why cooler temperatures can be an official's best friend. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or fresh to the field, this episode promises the ultimate guide to balancing comfort with the demands...

Send us a textEver found yourself in the middle of a soccer match, caught between the roar of the crowd and the whistle in your hand? Join me, David Gerson, as I recount the highs and lows of grassroots refereeing, sharing my first-hand experiences on the pitch. Starting with the sweet taste of success in a seamless match, we quickly progress to the chaos of an intense game where a tactical foul ignited a firestorm of protests. Through these stories, you'll discover the art of maintaining aut...

Send us a textWhat if managing a soccer match could be as strategic as a chess game, with every move calculated for maximum safety and control? Join me, David Gerson, as I unravel the art of officiating amidst the beauty and chaos of soccer, especially in the challenging aftermath of Hurricane Helene. This episode promises insights into the delicate balance of passion and responsibility, focusing on strategies to handle mass confrontations on the field. From forming a "triangle of control" wi...

Send us a textWhat motivates someone to remain dedicated to soccer for over four decades? Discover the answer as we sit down with Bryan McDermott, a cornerstone of Georgia's soccer community. Bryan shares his journey as a coach, referee, mentor, assigner, and board member, offering a comprehensive look into the life of an individual who has given so much to the sport. From his early motivations to the complexities of being a referee assigner, Bryan's insights are invaluable for anyone interes...

Send us a textEver wondered how to navigate the complexities of life as a referee while juggling personal challenges? This week's episode of Refs Need Love 2 takes you on a heartfelt journey, starting with my reflections on my 81-year-old father's health struggles. This deeply personal narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of cherishing our loved ones. Shifting gears, I share the unique challenges faced by referees, including weather disruptions and the physical deman...

Send us a textWhat if transforming the culture of soccer refereeing could be as simple as introducing a new card? Join us as we explore this transformative idea with Richard and Will Bradwell, the father-son team behind the Positive Referee Coalition. Richard, a seasoned referee, and his son Will, share their innovative approach of using green cards to promote sportsmanship and respect on the soccer field—a practice Richard first pioneered in 1996 and which Will is now helping to expand. Toge...

Send us a textHave you ever wondered what it takes to become a top-level referee? Join us as we sit down with Jonathan Wilkes, a Level 3 referee from Brighton, England, who has officiated matches across Australia and Denmark. Jonathan opens up about how his father’s refereeing career sparked his passion and how the innovative Ref6 smartwatch app reignited his love for the game. His unique blend of sports science expertise and personal training for referees provides an insightful look into the...

Send us a textUnlock the secrets to peak performance for referees with our special guest, Austin Ardrey, CEO of Runnin' Ref. Have you ever considered the rigorous athletic demands placed on sports officials? Austin shares his expansive knowledge on why referees should be considered athletes, given their demanding roles in basketball, soccer, and football. Discover how sport-specific training programs are meticulously designed to address the unique movements and fitness needs of referees, and ...

Send us a textWhat if the future of football refereeing was already here? On this episode of "Refs Need Love Too," we break down the groundbreaking updates to the laws of the game for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. From allowing goal-line technology feedback to be communicated through earpieces, to introducing additional permanent concussion substitutions, and mandating team captains to wear identifying armbands, these changes have been enshrined to the laws of the game. We'll also discuss the di...

Ever wondered what it takes to be a top-tier referee across multiple sports? Our guest Paul Risdall, a seasoned official in soccer, basketball, and lacrosse, shares his remarkable journey from a young referee to a collegiate and semi-pro level officiant. Paul’s unique story includes a hiatus from the referee world, only to return and ascend to new heights in officiating while balancing his role as the lead pastor and a dedicated family man. Tune in to hear about his thrilling initiation into ...

Unlock the secrets to mastering the art of officiating in soccer as we talk to Will Reed, a referee and exercise science researcher. Will's journey into the world of refereeing began in north Atlanta, inspired by his professor Kevin Hewitt. From youth games to high-stakes academy and UPSL matches, Will shares his passion for staying connected to the game, mentoring young players, and the undeniable physical and emotional rewards of being a referee. This episode is packed with Will’s insights ...

How much do we really know about what soccer referees earn? Join us on this deep dive into the financial realities of officiating, where we pull back the curtain on referee compensation across various levels of youth soccer. From the challenges of gathering transparent pay data to personal stories from my own refereeing journey, we discuss how the pay scales fluctuate dramatically between recreational and competitive matches. A valuable listen for both young folks seeking their first job and ...

Join us as we chat with Charley Cox, a referee with an astounding 45 years of experience, who has dedicated his life to the beautiful game. From his humble beginnings refereeing in the military to becoming a pivotal mentor for young referees in the Florida Futures Program, Charlie shares his incredible journey and the wisdom he's gained along the way. Discover the the importance of creating a positive environment for youth players, and how the role of a referee has transformed over the ...

Ever wondered why refereeing styles differ so dramatically between South American football and European football? Join me, David Gerson, as I share my experiences from attending Copa America matches in Atlanta and contrast them with the officiating observed at the Euros. We'll discuss the critical role of referees, the electrifying yet challenging atmospheres, and how key decisions, particularly those involving red cards, can dramatically alter match outcomes. Along the way, I'll emphasize th...

What happens when a seasoned referee takes on the concrete pitches of New York City for the first time? Buckle up as I share my thrilling refereeing adventures, starting with a heartwarming reunion with high school friends and a deep dive into the world of New York soccer. Navigating the ins and outs of officiating in NYC, I provide valuable tips for referees looking to expand their horizons, from coordinating with the Eastern New York Referee Association to managing the logistics of an inter...

Can a 16-year-old girl command respect on the soccer field as a referee? Today, we’re thrilled to welcome Katie and Scott Millsap from the YouTube channel "Reffing with the Sappers" to share their incredible journey into officiating. Scott started refereeing to bond with his son, while Katie, initially motivated by potential earnings, discovered a passion for the sport she’s never played. Listen as they recount the joys and challenges they've faced, from dealing with difficult coaches and par...

Ever wondered what goes through the mind of a referee that most people have no clue about? From pre-match jitters to the intricacies of making those split-second calls on the pitch, I share my real-life experiences of the hard truths of what goes into officiating games. We'll unpack the nuanced nature of calling fouls and dive into why experience and context are game-changers for making the right calls.But that's not all. We also tackle the often unspoken financial motivations that pull...

This is a special, guest star appearance for me on the "Over the Ball" podcast which is sponsored by Soccer America. It was a fun conversation and I hope I represented the 3rd team well. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who's felt the surge of emotion at a contentious offside call or debated a referee's split-second decision. We delve into the intricacies of VAR technology and its diverse applications across leagues like the MLS and Premier League, offering a rare glimpse into th...

Join the ranks of those refusing to let age dictate their fitness regime as personal training expert Brad Williams and I, explore the intricacies of staying in top shape as a referee beyond 40. With Brad's insights on combating sarcopenia and tweaking fat storage, you'll be equipped to maintain that crucial burst of speed when it matters most on the pitch. As I approach my own half-century mark, I'll share the trials and triumphs of juggling the whistle with targeted, intelligent traini...

Have you ever left a youth soccer game feeling furious at the referee? It's a familiar scene: parents and fans seething on the sidelines, convinced the referee has 'robbed' their kids of victory. I'm David Gerson, and in this episode, I confront this blame game head-on, championing personal responsibility over misguided finger-pointing. Referees aren't the puppet masters of the game's outcome; it's the players and coaches who carve their destiny on the pitch. I share my vexation with the slew...

Have you ever stood in the center of a storm, making split-second decisions that could turn the tide? Welcome to my world, David Gerson, where the whistle's blast is my thunder. This episode takes you behind the scenes of my state cup refereeing adventures, where I own up to my blunders and share the invaluable advice tossed my way. I've been polishing my craft with tips from the pros, like honing my whistle's melody and mastering strategic placement during set pieces. It's a journey of growt...