Send us a text What does it take to officiate at the highest level of world soccer? Matthew Conger, who refereed at both the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, pulls back the curtain on the journey from grassroots to elite officiating in this fascinating conversation. Growing up as a goalkeeper in Georgia before eventually representing New Zealand on the international stage, Conger's unique path provides rare insights into what truly separates good referees from great ones. "Positioning and movement...
Aug 16, 2025•39 min
Send us a text What if the secret to transforming youth soccer wasn't silencing parents, but engaging them properly? In this eye-opening conversation, Skye Eddy, founder of SoccerParenting.com and "The Sideline Project" challenges the conventional wisdom about "crazy soccer parents" and reveals a path forward that benefits everyone in the youth sports ecosystem. The narrative that parents are the worst part of youth sports has dominated for too long. Skye argues that while the truly problematic ...
Aug 02, 2025•49 min
Send us a text What separates great referees from good ones isn't just knowledge of the laws—it's emotional intelligence. This deeply personal episode explores the challenging balance of life as a sports official while introducing a powerful mental framework called the "Let Them" theory from Mel Robbins." We begin with an intimate look at the struggle to balance a demanding marketing career, family transitions, and referee responsibilities. As my two oldest children prepare to leave for college ...
Jul 29, 2025•35 min
Send us a text Ever wonder why soccer fields seem to ignite emotions like few other places? In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Ryan Martin – known as the Anger Professor – reveals the perfect psychological storm that makes pitches emotional pressure cookers. Dr. Martin challenges our fundamental understanding of anger, explaining it's not inherently negative but rather a signal of perceived injustice or goal-blocking. On the soccer field, this manifests when calls feel unfair or when someone ...
Jul 01, 2025•47 min
Send us a text Soccer's law book undergoes a mini-revolution with the 2025-2026 Laws of the Game, and referee Leland Grant, National Referee Coach and Umpiro founder, breaks down the four most significant changes poised to transform how matches unfold across all levels of play. The first major change introduces a powerful new tool for match officials: the captain-only zone. When surrounded by multiple players, referees can now signal for a four-meter exclusion zone where only the designated team...
Jun 21, 2025•47 min
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Jun 14, 2025•49 min
Send us a text Ever wonder how to stay passionate while juggling multiple demanding roles? This candid episode dives into the reality of balancing life as a referee, business professional, content creator, and parent during an especially hectic season. David shares his journey through a particularly intense period—working full-time in sales and marketing for Hip Hues, running Refs Need Love Too, and preparing for his daughter's high school graduation while managing to referee challenging matches...
May 25, 2025•45 min
Send us a text 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 sports—over 5,380 registered officials—Collins reveals the pathways to breaking into this level. "If you're working at the top youth level and at the ama...
May 17, 2025•53 min
Send us a text 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 al...
May 02, 2025•49 min
Send us a text 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. Wh...
Apr 25, 2025•41 min
Send us a text 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 prot...
Apr 20, 2025•42 min
Send us a text 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 withi...
Apr 12, 2025•56 min
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, Mel...
Mar 16, 2025•39 min
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 requ...
Mar 02, 2025•38 min
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 refe...
Feb 22, 2025•49 min
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Feb 11, 2025•44 min
Send us a text Michael 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 poignant ...
Jan 30, 2025•44 min
Send us a text What 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 ongoin...
Jan 13, 2025•28 min
Send us a text Step 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, whether...
Jan 03, 2025•47 min
Send us a text Uncover 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 male-dom...
Dec 24, 2024•53 min
Send us a text What 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 ment...
Dec 18, 2024•33 min
Send us a text Ever 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 A...
Nov 30, 2024•42 min
Send us a text IMPORTANT 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 financial r...
Nov 25, 2024•42 min
Send us a text I 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 must make ...
Nov 23, 2024•47 min
Send us a text Jan 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 f...
Nov 16, 2024•43 min
Send us a text Are 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 field...
Oct 29, 2024•37 min
Send us a text Ever 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 autho...
Oct 14, 2024•36 min
Send us a text What 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" with...
Oct 05, 2024•36 min
Send us a text What 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 intereste...
Sep 28, 2024•45 min
Send us a text Ever 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 demands of b...
Sep 16, 2024•37 min
