REFS NEED LOVE TOO

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.

Podcasting since 2022 • 79 episodes

REFS NEED LOVE TOO

Latest Episodes

From Center Back to Life Coach: Soccer's Mental Game with MLS Legend Michael Parkhust

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...

May 02, 2025 • 48:38

Passport to the Pitch with TravelRef: A Guide to Traveling as a Referee

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...

April 25, 2025 • 41:07

Protecting Refs: Safety vs. Traditional Uniform Standards

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...

April 20, 2025 • 42:05

Changing the Game: The Renegade Lawyer Referee Ben Glass on Soccer's Culture Problem

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 pro...

April 12, 2025 • 56:03

Untold Sacrifice: Balancing Life, Career and being a Pro Referee with Melisssa Gonzalez

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 i...

March 15, 2025 • 38:55

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Fan Mail

just finished this podcast and I couldn’t agree more. As a follically challenged adult, I often wear a hat. At a regional event it was brought up with the mentor saying “You don’t see Premier League referees wear a hat.” I thanked them for the feedback and went about the event. I’m 52 and am working towards my regional badge. When I’m getting an assessment I will forgo a hat, otherwise it’s about protection and being able to see. One of our state reps is tolerant of young referees not having black shoes right away. Shoes are expensively and he gets it. By year 2, absolutely you should have black shoes. Socks not pulled up is a big no-no that many of us are working to correct from younger refs.

Ladue, Missouri