Refs Need Love Too

10/26/2026

This is an absolutely brutal call to have to make. There are so many things to consider...

At the professional level, they have VAR and slow motion replays to assist them in making these critical decisions. it would have been hard to see the handball offense. And to determine if the foul was outside of the penalty area at full speed. Additionally, to see that the goalkeeper touched the ball with their arm before the collision would be difficult in real time.

At the grassroots level with no video review, this would be an absolutely awful decision to have to make. If you take away the handball and the potential DOGSO, you still have a goalkeeper who is playing in a dangerous manner by putting their head down in the kicking zone. At a minimum, even if there is no contact, it would be an indirect free kick offense in favor of the attacking team.

Now, once they’ve committed a handball offense, then you are faced with a decision of showing a yellow card for stopping a promising attack or a red card for denial of obvious goal scoring opportunity. Both would be an outrageously difficult decisions to sell on the field. You could imagine how upset the players, coach and parents would be on the team that had a goalkeeper knocked out cold. 😬

What’s your call? Let me know in the comments!!!

10/24/2026

10/21/2026

Game time!!! I had the distinct honor with not just one, but two for a FIFA international Referee on this IFCPF (CP Football) match between Japan and Colombia!!! Trailblazer, and Director of Instruction for NISOA Karen Abt and Executive Director for the US Center for Mental Heath in Sport Margaret Domka

We also were rocking double Umpiro and David Gerson NCAA Style Pro Grip Socks

10/21/2026

Being a great youth soccer referee is a lot more than just knowing the Laws of the Game. Being a great communicator and educator goes a long way with players, coach, coaches, and spectators.

Beyond what was covered in the video what else do you think makes a great youth Referee?

SOCAL Referees SOCAL Soccer League US Club Soccer

10/21/2026

SOCAL Soccer League is leveraging feedback via fairwhistle surveys from our coaches and referees to help us identify top performers and clubs, teams, coaches, spectators and referees who need attention / coaching.

This data has enabled us to identify opportunities for improvement without needing to wait for a serious incident or abuse situation. We can proactively recommend coaching and feedback and take action.

we’ve also been able to publicly celebrate our top performers. In the past people who do a good job, never hear anything. It’s only the people who do a poor job who get feedback.

We don’t overreact to one bad survey, but if a referee or team after 10 matches, is consistently scoring below our standards, then we can help get them back on course before it’s too late.

Let me know if you have any questions.

US Club Soccer

10/20/2026

Never put your hands on the players or try to get in the middle of fists being thrown. Nothing good comes out of it.

First and foremost, you’re putting yourself into a dangerous position where you may get severely injured. If you’re in the middle of a fight, then you can’t keep your eyes on what else might be happening around you.

Additionally, no one wants random adults, putting their hands on their kids. Even though your intentions might be good, it can often have negative consequences.

The moral of the story, is try to remain sensitive to players emotions during the match. If you find someone losing their cool, try and take some heat out of the game and slow it down. Maybe engage the captain or the coach to have a conversation with the player. Try to anticipate flash points and prevent an altercation from taking place if you can.

Once it becomes an all out brawl and a mass confrontation, you need to get back and start taking down numbers so you can deal with discipline after the fact. Hopefully that clarifies my position.

10/19/2026

Do you believe the yellow card was justified in the scenario? Do we have to show a yellow card for unsporting behavior if someone kicks a a second ball on the pitch into the correct ball?

I think the Referee should’ve just stopped play as soon as that second ball interfered with the defender, closing down the attacker. What do you think? Let me know in the comments.

10/19/2026

The referees officiating the 2026 IFCPF (CP Football) World Cup are from all over the world. From Malaysia and Singapore all the way to Chile and Argentina. We have numerous current and former pros including a former Premier League official. A few talented Georgia Soccer refs have also had the opportunity to work on these exciting matches. Somehow they even let me in!!! 😅

Personally, this has been one of the greatest moments in my reffing career. To stand shoulder to shoulder with athletes from all over the globe giving everything they have emotionally and physically for their country has moved me to tears on a daily basis. I’m just honored to be a very small part of this amazing event.

You can watch all of the matches live on the IFCPF (CP Football) YouTube channel and being broadcasted by nationalsoccertv . The tournament runs through October 25th.

10/19/2026

My new friend Akmal from Uzbekistan gifted me a traditional do’ppi hat. It’s been so great working with referees from all over the world! We’ve all been trading gifts. My heart is full! ❤️

UFA