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PODCAST

REFS NEED LOVE TOO

An honest perspective from the 3rd team on the pitch... the referees. Through humor, analysis and education, we are slowly changing how people view referees and officials in all sports. We care and have a love for the game as much as any player or coach. Sometimes even more. Youth soccer (proper football) is a multi-billion $ industry in the US. Tremendous money is spent on players, competitions, travel etc., but almost nothing spent on developing the next generation of referees. I hope that this

sports soccer

All Episodes

38:55

Untold Sacrifice: Balancing Life, Career and being a...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2025/03/16

Send us a text What does it really take to officiate at soccer's highest levels while maintaining a corporate career?Pro assistant referee Melissa Gonzalez pulls back the curtain on the demanding reality behind the flags and whistles. "The perception is this is my full-time job, but it's not," Gonzalez reveals, describing her meticulous scheduling between IT project management responsibilities and professional refereeing commitments. Unlike many officials who map out deliberate career paths,...

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37:45

Mastering Game Management: Insights from FIFA Referee...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2025/03/02

Send us a text Join us for a captivating conversation with Ismail Elfath, a FIFA International Referee who has officiated matches on the world stage. Throughout the episode, Ismail outlines the critical skills of game management and the significance of body language and authority in establishing respect from players. He shares personal stories and advice that showcase what it means to be not just a referee, but a figure of stability on the pitch. Listeners will gain insight into the balance ...

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48:57

From World Cups to Grassroots: Kari Seitz's Vision...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2025/02/22

Send us a text Kari Seitz, one of the most distinguished figures in soccer officiating, unravels the secrets of her trailblazing career in our latest episode. As the Vice President of Referees for US Soccer and the former FIFA head of refereeing for women, Kari's insights are a treasure trove for anyone passionate about the beautiful game. With her unparalleled experience at four World Cups and three Olympic Games, she has a one-of-kind perspective as she shares her strategies for advancing r...

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44:18

Mastering Soccer Officiating: Leland Grant on Elite...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2025/02/11

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43:48

Understanding Referee Challenges: Empathy, Personal...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2025/01/30

Send us a textMichael Oliver's controversial red card decision during the Arsenal vs. Wolves match has ignited debates far beyond the pitch, demanding a closer look at the high-stakes world of refereeing. Join us as we unpack the intense scrutiny faced by officials in the English Premier League, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding for their challenging roles. We also dive into David Coote's candid revelations about his journey through personal struggles, painting a poignan...

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27:55

Emergency POD: Brian Barlow from Offside on the...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2025/01/13

Send us a textWhat constitutes abuse in the realm of US Soccer? Join us for a deep dive into the pressing issue of referee abuse with Brian Barlow, the force behind the Offside page on Facebook, as we navigate the new policy spearheaded by Kari Seitz, VP of Referees for US Soccer. With a focus on clarifying and categorizing abusive behavior, the policy aims to establish a uniform approach across the nation. As Brian sheds light on emerging respect at national tournaments, we confront the ongo...

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46:52

Navigating Legal Challenges and Ensuring Referee...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2025/01/03

Send us a textStep into the intricate world of sports officiating with seasoned litigation and trial attorney Andres Vidaldez, who brings a dual perspective as both a legal expert and a referee. Discover the unique intersection of law and sports as Andres shares insights into the complex legal landscape referees must navigate. Learn about the critical importance of understanding contracts and legal responsibilities, as well as the passion and dedication required to thrive in refereeing, wheth...

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53:29

Breaking Barriers as a Female Referee: Megan...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/12/24

Send us a textUncover the inspiring journey of Megan Richardson, a standout referee from Georgia who has shattered barriers and set new standards in the world of female refereeing. Recognized as the Female Youth Referee of the Year multiple times, Megan opens up about the less obvious challenges she overcomes on the pitch, beyond the commonplace chauvinism. From navigating life changes to mentoring the next generation of referees, her story is a testament to resilience and passion in a

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32:44

State Cup Finals: We Can Have Passion Without Being Rude

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/12/18

Send us a textWhat happens when you walk away from a secure corporate job to pursue your passion for running a small business, refereeing and mentorship? Join me, David Gerson, as I recount the exhilarating journey from the office to the field, where the thrill of officiating high-stakes matches like the Georgia State Cup semi-finals and finals became my new reality. Through this transition, I discovered the power of female representation in high-level soccer games and found fulfillment in me...

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41:33

Elite International Rugby Player to Esteemed...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/11/30

Send us a textEver wondered what it's like to transition from the adrenaline rush of being an elite player to the disciplined world of professional refereeing? Join me as I talk to the trailblazing Amy Barrett - Theron, South Africa's pioneering international rugby referee. Together, we explore her groundbreaking journey as the first South African woman to officiate in esteemed competitions like Super Rugby and the Olympics. Our conversation celebrates the cultural heartbeat of rugby in South...

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41:52

Business and Tax Considerations for Sports Officials...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/11/25

Send us a textIMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not intended or should be taken as tax advice. Consult with a tax professional to help you with your own specific tax situation. Robin Ruegg, a USA Brevet rating gymnastics judge with over 40 years of experience, joins us to unravel the fascinating world of gymnastics officiating. Robin shares her journey from a gymnast at the University of Minnesota to a respected judge, offering insights into the crucial yet frequently overlooked fina...

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47:18

Guest Appearance on the High Kicks Podcast: Getting...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/11/23

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...

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42:58

Dutch Referee Development Unveiled: Jan Ter Hamsel on...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/11/16

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...

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36:58

Empowering the Next Generation of Adult Soccer...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/10/29

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...

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35:50

Referee Resilience: Oregon Youth Soccer Addressing...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/10/14

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...

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37:03

Strategic Officiating: Navigating Mass Confrontations...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/10/05

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...

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44:45

Decades of Dedication: Bryan McDermott on Referee...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/09/28

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...

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36:57

Reflections on Resilience: Balancing Personal and...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/09/16

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...

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49:34

Transforming Soccer Officiating: The Bradwells' Green...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/09/13

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...

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36:44

Navigating Referee Promotions and Technology:...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/09/07

Have 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 world of offi...

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95 results

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