David Gerson
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...
Author
David Gerson
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Jul 9, 2026
Where to listen?
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Episodes
Dear Parents, Please Shut Up! 11.11.2022 13:36
Send us Fan Mail If you think you are helping by yelling instructions at your kid, someone else's kid or the referee during a game, you're not. You are actually causing harm to the players, their coach and the referee. Support the show
Be like a goldfish 30.10.2022 8:40
Send us Fan Mail There is a great scene in a Ted Lasso episode, when Ted tells one of his players to "be like a gold fish." The gold fish is the happiest animal on earth per Ted, because it has a very short memory. If something bad happens, they forget about in 10 seconds or less. Sometimes, as a referee, we also need to be like a gold fish. Support the show
Do I get nervous? Of course! 01.10.2022 12:45
Send us Fan Mail I get nervous because I care. If I didn't care, I wouldn't feel anything. The important thing is that we have perspective about what is driving those nerves and how to channel them into a positive experience on the pitch. Support the show
Jake Joyce - Referee and college soccer player at the same time 23.09.2022 21:56
Send us Fan Mail It's hard enough being a full time student. Imagine also playing a competitive university sport and also trying to become a professional referee. It is no easy task, but Jake Joyce handles it in stride. In this insightful podcast, you'll hear what got Jake originally into refereeing and the meteoric rise he is on towards becoming Regional and eventually professional. Su...
Dealing with Dissent and Zero Tolerance Policies 11.09.2022 20:38
Send us Fan Mail Across the country, state youth soccer organizations are making bold new rules to try and address the verbal abuse and often physical threats made towards our match officials. Today we are going to talk about these policies and what we can do to address Dissent on the pitch. Support the show
Episode #5 Referee Pregame Instructions 08.09.2022 20:51
Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, we will be discussing the all important "Pre-game". There is nothing worse than seeing a referee crew that is obviously not working well together. It is absolutely imperative that we act and communicate as a team on the pitch. Having a proper Pre-game briefing helps to ensure success and alignment no matter what may come our way. Support the sho...
Episode #4 Nathan Mattick - The English FA's first ever certified wheelchair referee 28.08.2022 20:53
Send us Fan Mail This conversation was origianaly a TikTok Live event. I loved chatting with him so much, I wanted to share it here too. We talked about what got him into being a referee and the positive mindset needed to be a referee. To correct a few notes i comments i made in the Live event, Nathan was certified in 2013 and was 18 years old at the time. This young man inspires me and I'm...
Episode #3 - Ted Unkel Part 2 - When is a foul a foul? 28.08.2022 17:26
Send us Fan Mail This is the 2nd part of my conversation with Ted Unkel. He is a professional ref in the MLS with over 12 years in the pros. We dive into a few more key questions regarding game management. I specifically ask the foundational question "when is a foul a foul?" Support the show
Episode #2 - Ted Unkel Part 1 - Professional Referee for over 13 years! 27.08.2022 15:19
Send us Fan Mail An amazing conversation with one of the most well known American referees. How he began and what it's like being a professional referee. Support the show
#1 How it all began and why am I still doing it? 12.08.2022 6:45
Send us Fan Mail How it all began and what is the purpose of the channel. Thank you for your support! Support the show
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