Refs Need Love Too

May 09 2024 5

Refs Need Love Too Podcast artwork

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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Stop Blaming the Ref!: Victim Mentality vs Success Mindset

May 09 2024 22 mins

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 puppe

Chronicles of a High School Soccer Referee and Why I LOVE it!

May 03 2024 33 mins

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 p

Navigating Nightmares and Boardrooms: Reflections on Management, Communication, and Presence on the Pitch

Apr 27 2024 46 mins

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 abou

From a Near-Fatal Experience to Professional Triumphs: The Life-Altering Tales of a Soccer Referee and Parental Love

Apr 07 2024 43 mins

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

Navigating the Maze of US Club Soccer: Team, Leagues, and Teaching Referee Respect

Mar 24 2024 61 mins

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 compet

From the Mic to the Pitch: Kai Ryssdal, Host of Marketplace from American Public Media and a Soccer Referee!!!

Mar 16 2024 34 mins

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 re

Behind the Whistle: Unpacking the Critical Role and Challenges that Football Referees Face

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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

Reflecting on Life at 49: A Thirst for Adventure and the Art of Soccer Refereeing

Mar 01 2024 37 mins

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,

Safeguarding Young Referees: A Call for Respect and Protective Strategies in Soccer

Feb 17 2024 32 mins

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 dr

Blue Card Buzz: Inside Soccer's Latest Rule Change and the On Field New Referee Training

Feb 10 2024 36 mins

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 quit