Send us a text What 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. Togeth...
Sep 13, 2024•50 min
Send us a text 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 w...
Sep 07, 2024•37 min
Send us a text 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 wh...
Aug 30, 2024•37 min
Send us a text 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 diff...
Aug 25, 2024•34 min
Send us a text 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 init...
Aug 10, 2024•38 min
Send us a text 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...
Jul 25, 2024•46 min
Send us a text 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 fi...
Jul 20, 2024•42 min
Send us a text 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 ove...
Jul 12, 2024•39 min
Send us a text 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 ...
Jul 04, 2024•42 min
Send us a text 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...
Jun 22, 2024•42 min
Send us a text 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 coa...
Jun 15, 2024•46 min
Send us a text 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 th...
Jun 02, 2024•39 min
Send us a text 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 ...
May 25, 2024•37 min
Send us a text 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 ...
May 19, 2024•39 min
Send us a text 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 w...
May 09, 2024•23 min
Send us a text Have you ever stood in the center of a storm, making split-second decisions that could turn the tide? Welcome to my world, David Gerson, where the whistle's blast is my thunder. This episode takes you behind the scenes of my state cup refereeing adventures, where I own up to my blunders and share the invaluable advice tossed my way. I've been polishing my craft with tips from the pros, like honing my whistle's melody and mastering strategic placement during set pieces. It's a jour...
May 03, 2024•33 min
Send us a text Ever woken up drenched in sweat from a nightmare that felt too real? I'm David Gerson, and that's exactly how my day started before a state cup game, with a dream that left me shirtless and unprepared facing the assessor's daunting presence. Tune in as I recount this chilling referee nightmare and its roots in the true pressures of officiating. But it's not all about the stress; join me as I translate the rigorous discipline and communication prowess required on the soccer field t...
Apr 27, 2024•46 min
Send us a text Emerging unscathed from a brush with mortality, I was slapped with the stark reality of life's fleeting nature. The terror of a near-fatal car accident evolved into an overwhelming torrent of gratitude, serving as the cornerstone of today's soul-stirring discourse. Beyond the harrowing tales of survival, I regale you with the triumphs of my professional world—from orchestrating a marketing campaign that soared beyond expectations to embracing the joy found in the whistle and flag ...
Apr 07, 2024•42 min
Send us a text Ever wondered how the web of youth soccer organizations operates in the U.S.? Tune in as Matt Bernard of US Club Soccer joins us to untangle the intriguing complexities of the system. Together, we scrutinize the unique roles of different entities, from local leagues to national powerhouses like the ECNL and National Premier League. Discover how these organizations affect the competitive youth soccer scene and what the explosion of leagues means for local communities. It's a reveal...
Mar 25, 2024•1 hr
Send us a text Ever wondered what drives a seasoned journalist like Kai Ryssdal to swap his microphone for a soccer referee's whistle? In an unexpected twist, Kai joins me to share his zest for the game and how the intellectual rigor and physical challenge of refereeing invigorate him. We navigate through the parallels of his media career and life on the pitch, uncovering the profound impact a referee can have on young athletes. His compelling narrative is a siren call to those pondering the whi...
Mar 16, 2024•33 min
Send us a text Ever wondered why football referees are often the unsung heroes of the beautiful game? Prepare to unravel the mysteries of the whistle with Adam Humphries from the Red or Yellow Refereeing podcast, as we explore the intricacies of football refereeing that go far beyond the rulebook. From the grassroots to the semi-pros, we dissect the practical learning curve officials face and the innovative ways they're connecting with the next generation through platforms like TikTok. Plus, we ...
Mar 09, 2024•36 min
Send us a text As I stand on the brink of my 49th year, David Gerson here, I'm filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and an insatiable yearning for the next great adventure. This episode is all about celebrating those personal milestones and the intricate dance of soccer refereeing. I'm sharing my journey toward the big 5-0, contemplating the allure of solo trips to Iceland or Patagonia, and inviting you to weigh in with your travel pearls of wisdom. Plus, we unpack the contentious no-c...
Mar 02, 2024•37 min
Send us a text Have you ever witnessed the harsh realities young referees face within the beautiful game? Our latest discussion brings to the forefront the pressing need to shield our youth officials from escalating verbal abuse and to foster an environment of respect on the playing field. Sharing my own presentation for Soccer in the Streets, I delve into the steep learning curve and alarming dropout rates among young referees, underscoring the parallel necessity to safeguard them just as we wo...
Feb 17, 2024•32 min
Send us a text Ever felt the pulse of the soccer pitch quicken at the flash of a referee's card? The introduction of IFAB's blue card might just send that pulse skyrocketing. Join me as I navigate the nuances of this game-changing decision and share my unique perspective gained from mentoring fresh-faced referees. We'll examine the blue card's intended role in penalizing offenses that aren't quite red, but more severe than yellow, and how this new element is stirring the pot across the soccer co...
Feb 10, 2024•35 min
Send us a text I had the honor and privilege to interview Peter Manokski, President of the PRSA. The PRSA is the Professional Referee Organizing body that represents MLS, USL, NWSL and CSA Referees. Recently, their membership has unanimously voted to authorize a strike if a deal is not made with PRO, their employer that represents the MLS. They are working to improve the working conditions for the referees. Many people have no idea the mental and physical burden of what it takes to be a professi...
Jan 27, 2024•31 min
Send us a text I was absolute rocked to my core listening to a young referee describe the offensive verbal abuse she received at a High School Soccer match this past week in Southern California. Unfortunately, these stories are far too common. In the moment, it can hard to tell what is common outbursts of emotion, dissent or OFFINABUS language. Additionally, it can be hard to summon the courage to confront that abuse head on. By discussing this and sharing this story, I hope we can all get stron...
Jan 20, 2024•37 min
Send us a text This week we will look back at my personal life as a referee in 2023, what I hope to achieve in 2024 and some of the new rule changes coming to the MLS next season . We'll end with a few notes from the mail bag. I wish you al the best in your upcoming 2024 season off and on the pitch! Happy New Year! Support the show...
Dec 28, 2023•37 min
Send us a text Why can't we be more open with the considerations used by our best referees? Why can't we tell the general public? Why can't we do a better job of educating those we need to understand the laws of the game and how to apply them? It's time for referees and mentors to open up and bring other people in. It's time for clubs to invest resources in the referees who ref at their clubs. It's time for us all to do more to share our knowledge for the betterment of the game for everybody. Su...
Dec 16, 2023•26 min
Send us a text I had so much fun yesterday reffing Futsal. It is similar in some ways to reffing soccer, but extremely fast paced and with some very unique rules. Although I had done it before, it has been a few years and there was quite a learning curve. If we want to speed up the game of soccer, we could learn a thing or two from our Futsal friends. It was non-stop action. I also will answer a letter from the mail bag about how reffing plays into my financial stability. It's not a full time jo...
Dec 10, 2023•35 min
Send us a text A few weeks ago, I tried to pass the FIFA fitness test to become eligible for promotion to Regional. If you are not familiar, this is the next step in the path of promotion for referees here in the United States. On the same day, I also participated in the on-field training course needed to become a Referee Mentor. I am only a few weeks away from completing all of my assignments and getting my mentor certification. Support the show...
Dec 02, 2023•34 min
