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.
- Update frequency
- every 11 days
- Average duration
- 35 minutes
- Episodes
- 88
- Years Active
- 2022 - 2025
High Stakes and High Spirits: The Thrills of NYC Soccer Officiating and Other Ref Adventures
What happens when a seasoned referee takes on the concrete pitches of New York City for the first time? Buckle up as I share my thrilling refereeing adventures, starting with a heartwar…
The Journey of a Young Female Soccer Referee with guests Scott and Katie Millsap
Inside the Ref's Mind: Unspoken Truths and a Call for Respect in Youth Sports
Ever wondered what goes through the mind of a referee that most people have no clue about? From pre-match jitters to the intricacies of making those split-second calls on the pitch, I …
The Crucial Referee Whistle: Special Episode as a Guest on the "Over the Ball" Podcast
This is a special, guest star appearance for me on the "Over the Ball" podcast which is sponsored by Soccer America. It was a fun conversation and I hope I represented the 3rd team well…
Defying Age on the Field: Fitness, Nutrition, and Referee Longevity Beyond 40
Join the ranks of those refusing to let age dictate their fitness regime as personal training expert Brad Williams and I, explore the intricacies of staying in top shape as a referee b…
Stop Blaming the Ref!: Victim Mentality vs Success Mindset
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 o…
Chronicles of a High School Soccer Referee and Why I LOVE it!
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 ep…
Navigating Nightmares and Boardrooms: Reflections on Management, Communication, and Presence on the Pitch
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…
From a Near-Fatal Experience to Professional Triumphs: The Life-Altering Tales of a Soccer Referee and Parental Love
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 torr…
Navigating the Maze of US Club Soccer: Team, Leagues, and Teaching Referee Respect
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. T…
From the Mic to the Pitch: Kai Ryssdal, Host of Marketplace from American Public Media and a Soccer Referee!!!
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 ga…
Behind the Whistle: Unpacking the Critical Role and Challenges that Football Referees Face
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 Referee…
Reflecting on Life at 49: A Thirst for Adventure and the Art of Soccer Refereeing
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 a…
Training for Soccer Coaches: A Call for Respect and Protective Strategies in Soccer
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 …
Blue Card Buzz: Inside Soccer's Latest Rule Change and the On Field New Referee Training
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…
MLS Refs are locked out! Learn why from Peter Manikowski, President of the PRSA
I had the honor and privilege to interview Peter Manokski, President of the PRSA.
The PRSA is the Professional Referee Organizing body that represents MLS, USL, NWSL and CSA Referees. R…
Emergency Pod on dealing with Dissent as a Referee
I was absolute rocked to my core listening to a young referee describe the offensive verbal abuse she received at a High School Soccer match this past week in Southern California. Unfor…
2023 Year in Review and MLS 2024 Rule Changes
This week we will look back at my personal life as a referee in 2023, what I hope to achieve in 2024 and some of the new rule changes coming to the MLS next season . We'll end with a f…
What are soccer referee "considerations"?
Why can't we be more open with the considerations used by our best referees? Why can't we tell the general public? Why can't we do a better job of educating those we need to understand …
Futsal vs Football and is being a referee a full time job?
I had so much fun yesterday reffing Futsal. It is similar in some ways to reffing soccer, but extremely fast paced and with some very unique rules. Although I had done it before, it has…