In this installment of our "Laws of the Game" miniseries, we are discussing Law 5, "The Referee". We cover the powers and duties of the referee, which includes when and how to exert said authority, as well as talking about the primary goal of all referees, and how we achieve that goal. Send Me a Message! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebetterreferee/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thebetterreferee/support ..read more

Send a Message In this episode, we look at some minor events that happened in a game from the past weekend. It could almost be used as a preview to the Laws of the Game series I will be hosting between the fall and spring seasons. The second topic discussed is that of prepping for high school soccer in the spring. I just completed a course called "Implicit Bias". I discuss my thoughts on this. WARNING: I do get a bit personal in this section...but I am honest! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https ..read more

Send a Message There are certain elements that have no place in youth sports, or even professional sports, for that matter. Referee abuse is near the top of that list, right alongside player abuse. As coaches, parents, players, referees, assignors, administrators, and volunteers, it is imperative that we eliminate these elements. By doing so, it is so much easier to create an environment where everyone involved can learn and play the sport they love, and have FUN doing it! Be the change! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Sen ..read more

Message Me! I have said before, and I say it again: "Know the Laws of the Game and the local rules of competition!" This past weekend, we had an incident occur, then a friendly debate about what should have happened if the out come were different. I am proud to say that I was right (not being vain), and I can say it because I have actually read the book! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebetterreferee/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thebetterreferee/support ..read more

Send Chris a Message! We have all heard the quote attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, "Be the change you want to see in the world." This applies to many aspects of life, including being an official. It is the reason I started this podcast: to help others be better referees, while holding themselves, other referees, players, coaches, and parents accountable for their behavior. Once the referee community start to do this as a whole, we will begin to see, I believe, a change in the culture that has been the direct cause of the referee shortage we are all facing. --- This episode is sponsored by · Ancho ..read more

Send Me A Message To Share On Air! Referee abuse and threats, whether real or implied, MUST be met with consequences! This one of the major reasons that we have a massive referee shortage in every youth sport. My understanding is that is not just in the United States, but globally. Granted, the shortage is worse in some countries than others...but in NO WORLD is referee abuse or threats justifiable, no matter how benign the perpetrator claims such abuse or threats may be! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice mes ..read more

Send Me a Message! If you are an assignor, please make certain of a referee's availability before assigning...especially if the referee does not generally work at your club! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebetterreferee/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thebetterreferee/support ..read more

Send Chris a Message! As referees, our #1 priority is player safety! We enforce the Laws of the Game and local rules to make the match as safe as possible. Sometimes, that means pulling out the cards, even when we don't want to. Failure to do so can lead to injuries, and, at the very least, a disreputable match. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebetterreferee/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thebetterreferee/support ..read more

Send a Message! I am always preaching that referees MUST know the local rules of competition. Knowing these rules, alongside a good understanding of the IFAB Laws, can allow a referee to be confident in what calls he or she makes during a game, and certainly what happens after the whistle is blown. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebetterreferee/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thebetterreferee/support ..read more

Send Me a Message 3 topics for this episode: Sometimes, as a referee you have to find a new way to assert your authority...and sometimes that means going "old school". Be sure to check your uniform and equipment, and replace whatever you need to BEFORE complete failure! Tunnel vision is very easy to get into, but also pretty easy to get out of. Of course, there are also techniques you can use to prevent it from happening in the first place. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebet ..read more