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© 2024 Refs Need Love Too
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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 Podcast inspires, educates and humanizes the next generation of referees for their own development and appreciation from the players, coaches and spectators they need to work alongside.
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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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 journey of growt...
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 to invaluable...
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 of a soccer ...
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 revealing look int...
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 whistle, highli...
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 discuss the ...
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-call from the...
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 would any youn...
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 community. Fro...
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 professional ref...
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 stronge...
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!What If? So What?We discover what’s possible with digital and make it real in your businessListen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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.What If? So What...
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 job for m...
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.What If? So What?We discover what’s possible with digital and make it real in yo...
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