From Corporate Burnout to Passion Project: New Career and New Referees
- Author
- David Gerson
- Published
- Sat 06 Sep 2025
- Episode Link
- None
Landing my dream job as Director of Referee Programming and Development at SoCal Soccer League marks the culmination of a four-year journey that began when I started the Refs Need Love Too channel as a joke in 2021. What started as an escape from corporate burnout has transformed into a full-time opportunity to improve referee development across the largest soccer league in America, with over 4,400 teams and 40,000 players.
This career shift represents everything I've been working toward—taking what I've done nights and weekends for years and making it my day job. The position allows me to create comprehensive training systems that address what current referee education lacks: practical guidance for managing real-world match situations beyond basic mechanics and rules.
Current referee training focuses too heavily on the top 1% of officials while neglecting the 99% working grassroots matches. These grassroots referees face entirely different challenges than what's seen in professional matches with perfect pitches and elite athletes. We need practical training for managing bunched play, varying skill levels, and parent interactions at youth levels.
For new referees especially, success depends on factors rarely covered in certification courses. Professional appearance creates a crucial first impression. Confident presence during check-in establishes authority. Calling fouls consistently prevents matches from spiraling out of control. Clear communication fills information vacuums that might otherwise be filled with complaints. Proper movement demonstrates effort and improves positioning for making accurate calls.
Whether you're a new referee seeking guidance, an experienced official looking to mentor others, or someone considering this rewarding path, remember that refereeing isn't just about applying rules—it's about managing people, creating positive environments, and finding purpose through service to the game we love.
