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.
Episodes
84 episodes
You're Not the Bad Guy: Why People Get Angry at Refs and What to Do About It
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 cooker...
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47:03
Navigating the 2025-2026 Laws of the Game with Leland Grant
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 ...
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47:12
Life Lessons and Pregame Checklists: Finding Joy On and Off the Pitch
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.
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45:21
The Path to NCAA College Soccer Officiating: A Conversation with John Collins
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 ad...
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52:37
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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38:55
Mastering Game Management: Insights from FIFA Referee Ismail Elfath
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 l...
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37:45
From World Cups to Grassroots: Kari Seitz's Vision for Refereeing at U.S. Soccer
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, Ka...
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48:57
Mastering Soccer Officiating: Leland Grant on Elite Referee Qualities and the Innovative Footwear Design of Umpiro
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44:18
Understanding Referee Challenges: Empathy, Personal Struggles, and Youth Sports Dynamics
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 of...
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43:48
Emergency POD: Brian Barlow from Offside on the Updated US Soccer Referee Abuse Policy
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 ...
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27:55
Navigating Legal Challenges and Ensuring Referee Safety with Andres Vidales
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 sh...
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46:52
Breaking Barriers as a Female Referee: Megan Richardson's Inspiring Journey and the Pre-Game Preparation
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 open...
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53:29
State Cup Finals: We Can Have Passion Without Being Rude
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 thr...
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32:44
Elite International Rugby Player to Esteemed Professional Referee: An interview with Aimee Barrett-Theron
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 internationa...
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41:33
Business and Tax Considerations for Sports Officials with Special Guest Robin Ruegg
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 y...
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41:52
Guest Appearance on the High Kicks Podcast: Getting to the Heart of Officiating
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 epi...
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47:18
Dutch Referee Development Unveiled: Jan Ter Hamsel on Referee Growth, Development, and Innovation Approaches to Mentorship
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 inspira...
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42:58
Empowering the Next Generation of Adult Soccer Officials and Keeping them Warm in Cold Weather
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 you...
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36:58
Referee Resilience: Oregon Youth Soccer Addressing Abuse Head-on and Building Confidence as a Referee
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 pi...
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35:50
Strategic Officiating: Navigating Mass Confrontations and Being Thankful for the Beautiful Game
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 th...
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36:14