Striving for Excellence as a D-7 Referee
As we prepare for the 2025 season, it’s the perfect time to reflect on ways to grow as a referee. Striving for excellence doesn’t mean aiming for perfection—it means committing to learning, improving, and consistently giving your best effort. Here are practical, common-sense tips to help you elevate your game while keeping your role enjoyable […]
A Call for Accountability and Improvement
After reading this article (YOUTH REFEREES ARE QUITTING IN DROVES…), I agree with the same issues. However, I have some issues with the soccer referees I deal with, and part of the blame falls on US SOCCER, CNRA, every league, and club down the line. That also applies to the high school and college levels. […]
A RADICAL IDEA
(Why Referee ADMIN. Should Embrace the Four-Goal Game!) Hey, soccer fans, have you ever wondered if we really need referees in every game? The topic is hot right now in the soccer community, especially with the idea of the 4-goal game gaining traction. Let’s explore why some folks say we could do without refs and […]
TAILORING the RULES of the GAME
Field Markings More work and cost to set up the field. with a line from side to side for kick-off should be enough! Spectator viewing line: Minimum 3 yards from touchlines. Goals: I think 2 yards wide may be a little […]
It’s Not Over… Until The Paperwork Is Done.
Upon completion of a match, the referee crew has the crucial responsibility of filing a comprehensive and accurate report and promptly forward it to the designated authority. The content of the report depends on the occurrences during the match: To compile an accurate game report, each member of the referee crew should maintain meticulous notes […]
Some Common Errors in Report Writing
When necessary, writing reports after the conclusion of a match is part of an official’s requirements and duties. As the saying goes: “The job is not completed until the paperwork is done.“ Regarding a sendoff, a serious injury, or a player/game management issue, officials are expected to complete and file the […]
Unruly Fans and Dealing With Them.
It is never a comfortable moment, but officials have every right to take action and remove a player, coach, or bench personnel from the game for inappropriate behavior. It is the right thing for them to do. But what about unruly fans? How do officials deal with the unruly behavior of people who are […]
RETENTION of OFFICIALS
Keeping officials, especially new ones, is a common problem in every organization. Without some help and solutions, an organization may be losing many officials who may have the potential to become quality officials. Here are a few ideas to help improve and retain officials. MENTOR PROGRAM: When accepted and supported by an organization, this program […]
Enforcement vs. Judgment
Nobody is perfect. Human beings make mistakes. It is a part of life. Yet, many coaches, players, parents, and others who attend sporting events expect officials to be perfect. Like players and coaches, officials strive for perfection. They do all they can to make the right decisions and make the correct calls to have a […]