x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

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

37:02

Elevate Your Referee Fitness Game with Expert Advice...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/08/30

Unlock 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 why these ofte...

en-us

33:55

The Future of Football Officiating: 24/25 Law...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/08/25

What 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 differences in l...

en-us

38:42

Balancing Faith, Family, and the Whistle: Paul...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/08/10

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 ...

en-us

45:43

Exercise Science and Research: Insights, Agility, and...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/07/25

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 ...

en-us

41:58

Paychecks and Comebacks: How Much Referees Get Paid...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/07/20

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 ...

en-us

38:46

Building Confidence and Skills: The Florida Futures...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/07/12

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 ...

en-us

42:01

COPA America Pain, Beautiful EUROS and Book Reviews

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/07/04

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...

en-us

41:30

High Stakes and High Spirits: The Thrills of NYC...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/06/22

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...

en-us

46:21

The Journey of a Young Female Soccer Referee with...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/06/15

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...

en-us

39:53

Inside the Ref's Mind: Unspoken Truths and a Call for...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/06/02

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...

en-us

36:50

The Crucial Referee Whistle: Special Episode as a...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/05/25

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...

en-us

39:22

Defying Age on the Field: Fitness, Nutrition, and...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/05/19

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...

en-us

22:43

Stop Blaming the Ref!: Victim Mentality vs Success...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/05/09

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...

en-us

33:28

Chronicles of a High School Soccer Referee and Why I...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/05/03

en-us

46:52

Navigating Nightmares and Boardrooms: Reflections on...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/04/27

en-us

42:22

From a Near-Fatal Experience to Professional...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/04/07

en-us

60:21

Navigating the Maze of US Club Soccer: Team, Leagues,...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/03/25

en-us

33:25

From the Mic to the Pitch: Kai Ryssdal, Host of...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/03/16

en-us

36:20

Behind the Whistle: Unpacking the Critical Role and...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/03/09

en-us

36:31

Reflecting on Life at 49: A Thirst for Adventure and...

REFS NEED LOVE TOO ·

2024/03/02

en-us

95 results

Similar Podcasts

Keeping Karlsson Fantasy Hockey Podcast

Elan Dubrofsky and Brian Kom

Daily Fantasy Sports by Ship It Nation

Ship It Nation

Fantasy Football Today

CBS Sports, Fantasy Football, FFT, NFL,...

Bring The Pain

Heat00veride

ESPN SportsCenter Update

ESPN