REFS NEED LOVE TOO Podcast

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Ever wondered what it takes to officiate at the collegiate level? John Collins, the National Coordinator of Men's and Women's Soccer Officials for the NCAA, pulls back the curtain on a world that represents both challenge and opportunity for advancing referees.

With college soccer now boasting the largest officiating pool in NCAA sportsover 5,380 registered officialsCollins reveals the pathways to breaking into this level. "If you're working at the top youth level and at the amateur level, NCAA soccer is probably a fit for you," he explains, detailing how referees typically move from high-level youth matches to college assignments through networking and regional organizations. The conversation delves into how college soccer strategically positions itself between top amateur competitions and professional matches, creating a unique environment where officials can develop and thrive.

Collins, who balances his NCAA leadership role with a career in finance, brings perspectives from his own journey as both collegiate goalkeeper and national referee. His insights on evaluation criteria are particularly valuable: "We're looking for critical, skillful thinkers that can manage games, apply the laws, manage participants, and they've got to be good athletes." This emphasis on critical thinking challenges the simplistic "keep it simple" mantra that many referees learn at grassroots levels.

The discussion also addresses the evolving relationship between NCAA and IFAB rules, referee shortage challenges, and the critical importance of experiential learning and community-building for referee development. Whether you're considering collegiate officiating or simply interested in understanding the referee pathway better, Collins offers wisdom applicable to officials at every level, including his personal philosophy: "Plan for the unexpected."

Ready to explore collegiate officiating opportunities? Email [email protected] to learn how to connect with conference assigners or NISOA chapters in your region.

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What does it take to excel as a defender when you don't fit the physical prototype? Michael Parkhurst, who captained Atlanta United to their 2018 MLS Cup victory, reveals how his mind became his greatest strength on the soccer pitch.

"My brain was my biggest asset," Parkhurst explains, detailing how he compensated for lacking the traditional center back qualities of height, strength, and aerial prowess. This mental approach not only fueled his remarkable professional career but also inspired his current mission helping young players develop beyond their technical abilities.

After watching talented academy players fail to earn second contracts despite their skills, Parkhurst co-founded Beyond Goals Mentoring with former teammate Greg Garza. Their organization addresses the immense pressure facing today's young players and teaches the often-overlooked mental skills crucial for success. From building resilience and confidence to developing leadership and emotional control, these tools serve athletes both on and off the pitch.

The conversation offers valuable insights for players, coaches, and referees alike. Parkhurst breaks down what makes a great referee from a player's perspective: mutual respect, clear communication, and consistency. He provides practical advice on player-referee interactions, emphasizing respectful dialogue and emotional management during heated moments.

Parents will find particular value in Parkhurst's observations about sideline behavior and how it affects both player development and referee retention. His perspective highlights how well-meaning parents often undermine their children's growth by removing opportunities to learn through mistakes and develop decision-making skills.

Whether you're a player looking to elevate your mental game, a referee seeking to understand the player's mindset, or a parent supporting a young athlete, this episode delivers practical wisdom from someone who reached soccer's highest levels through intelligence rather than physical dominance. Visit beyondgoalsmentoring.com to learn more about developing the complete athlete.

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Have you ever wondered how the best soccer referees reach the pinnacle of their profession? For national referee Bowen Taylor, the answer lies in stepping out of your comfort zone and traveling to officiate matches across the country.

At just 25 years old, Bowen has already achieved what many referees dream of – earning his national badge and working professional matches in leagues like USL Championship and MLS Next Pro. His secret weapon? Using travel as a catalyst for growth. When you officiate unfamiliar teams on unfamiliar fields with unfamiliar colleagues, you develop adaptability and confidence that transforms your refereeing forever.

In this revealing conversation, Bowen shares how he made the bold decision as a college-aged player to pursue refereeing full-time, recognizing that his potential in officiating far exceeded his prospects as a D2 backup. That decision led him to tournaments across the country, where he strategically sought feedback from national referee coaches and built a support network of colleagues who understand the unique challenges of the profession.

Now, Bowen is making these same opportunities accessible to all referees through Travel Ref, a free platform connecting officials with tournaments nationwide. From prestigious youth competitions to local events in beautiful destinations, the service helps referees find matches that match their qualifications while handling all the logistical complications that previously made tournament travel mysterious and difficult.

Whether you're an ambitious referee looking to advance through the ranks or simply seeking to combine your passion for officiating with seeing new parts of the country, this episode offers practical advice on making referee travel work for you. Bowen's tips on maintaining professionalism, preparing for different environmental conditions, and maximizing feedback opportunities provide a roadmap for successful referee adventures.

Create your free profile at travelref.com and discover how stepping onto new fields might be the key to unlocking your potential as a referee. Your next whistle could be in Miami, Colorado, South Dakota, or beyond – where will your referee journey take you?

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The soccer referee uniform has become an unexpected battleground where tradition, practicality, and safety collide. Drawing from over 11 years and 1,300 matches of experience, I share my frustration with the often unreasonable uniform standards imposed on grassroots referees that sometimes compromise their health and wellbeing.

Despite US Soccer officially approving hats as part of the referee uniform, many senior officials still pressure referees to forego this essential sun protection. This isn't just about appearance—it's a serious health concern. Many long-time referees have developed skin cancers and eye conditions from prolonged sun exposure. When you're working multiple matches in scorching summer tournaments, a black baseball cap isn't just sensible; it's necessary protection against potentially life-threatening conditions.

The uniform monopoly in American soccer creates another significant barrier. Unlike other countries where referees can wear any black shirt with their federation badge, American referees must purchase expensive Official Sports International gear—over $50 per jersey across five different colors. This financial burden becomes especially prohibitive for new officials just entering the profession.

What truly matters for the 98% of us working grassroots matches? A clean, tucked-in USSF Style Jersey, proper black shorts, socks and appropriate footwear create a professional appearance without obsessing over minor details. Yes, regional and national referees pursuing promotion should adhere to stricter standards, but for everyone else, reasonable accommodations for weather and comfort should be prioritized.

We lose 80% of new referees within three years due to abuse and inadequate support—not because they wore a hat to protect themselves from the sun. If we want to develop and retain quality officials, we need to focus on skills like positioning, communication, and game management rather than nitpicking uniform details that have little impact on match quality.

Does your approach to referee development focus on what truly matters? Join the conversation about finding the right balance between professional appearance and practical concerns in the beautiful game.

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What happens when we normalize abuse toward the most vulnerable members of our sports community? David Gerson, host of Refs Need Love Too, joins attorney Ben Glass on the Renegade Lawyer podcast to tackle one of youth sports' most pervasive problems—referee abuse and its devastating impact on officiating retention.

This raw, revealing conversation explores the alarming statistics: we've lost over 30% of certified soccer referees since 2019, with 80% of new officials quitting within three years primarily due to sideline abuse. David shares powerful personal stories, including the moment his teenage son nearly walked away from officiating after being confronted by an aggressive adult player, highlighting the human cost behind these numbers.

The discussion takes an encouraging turn as David reveals his behind-the-scenes work developing US Soccer's comprehensive new referee abuse policies. These groundbreaking guidelines establish clear boundaries between emotional expression and unacceptable behavior, with meaningful consequences—including triple sanctions when directed at minor officials. Meanwhile, states like Virginia are implementing landmark legislation making even verbal threats against officials a class one misdemeanor.

Both David and Ben, with over 60 combined years of officiating experience, offer practical wisdom for creating safer environments. They explore the puzzling double standard where children are protected as players but subjected to abuse as referees, and share strategies for addressing dissent before it escalates. Their conversation illuminates a path forward where respect for officials enhances the game experience for everyone involved.

Whether you're a parent, coach, player, or official, this episode offers actionable insights into breaking the cycle of abuse and building a youth sports culture that prioritizes both competitive excellence and human dignity. Subscribe to Refs Need Love 2 for more behind-the-scenes perspectives on transforming sports culture from the referee's vantage point.