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REFS NEED LOVE TOO

David Gerson
Youth Soccer
Fitness
Football Officiating
Youth Sports
Referee Training
Referees
Handball Rules
Refereeing
Health
Aging
Parent and Coach Behavior
Nutrition
Exercise
Soccer
Recovery
Foul Recognition
Copa America
Referee Management
Referee Respect
High School Soccer

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, ... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes89Founded3 years ago
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SoccerSportsNews CommentaryNews

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Latest Episodes

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Grief has a way of focusing the lens on what actually matters: how someone lived, how they treated those who couldn't fight back, and what they stood for even when it was unpopular. My dad never reffed, but he taught me everything abo... more

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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... more

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What does it take to officiate at the highest level of world soccer? Matthew Conger, who refereed at both the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, pulls back the curtain on the journey from grassroots to elite officiating in this fascinatin... more

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What if the secret to transforming youth soccer wasn't silencing parents, but engaging them properly? In this eye-opening conversation, Skye Eddy, founder of SoccerParenting.com and "The Sideline Project" challenges the conventional w... more

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Recent Guests

Matthew Conger
Former FIFA World Cup referee and director of Holistic Leadership Development Consultancy
Total Referee Limited
Episode: From Georgia to the World Cup: Referee Matthew Conger Shares Lessons Learned on the Biggest Stage
Skye Eddy
Founder of Soccer Parenting and The Sideline Project, aimed at engaging parents to make youth sports better.
Soccer Parenting
Episode: Crazy Soccer Parents! The Path to Healthier Youth Sports
Dr. Ryan Martin
Leading expert on emotional wellness and anger management.
Author and Speaker
Episode: You're Not the Bad Guy: Why People Get Angry at Refs and What to Do About It
Dr. Matt O'Brien
State Director for the Florida Futures Referee Program and PhD in math education
Florida Futures Referee Program
Episode: The Base Matters Most: Rethinking Referee Education for the Masses with Matt O'brien
John Collins
National Coordinator of Men and Women's Soccer Officials for the NCAA
NCAA
Episode: The Path to NCAA College Soccer Officiating: A Conversation with John Collins
Michael Parkhurst
Former professional soccer player and co-founder of Beyond Goals Mentoring
Beyond Goals Mentoring
Episode: From Center Back to Life Coach: Soccer's Mental Game with MLS Legend Michael Parkhust
Bowen Taylor
Founder of Travel Ref, USSF national referee
Travel Ref
Episode: Passport to the Pitch with TravelRef: A Guide to Traveling as a Referee
Ben Glass
Lawyer and referee with over 40 years of experience and author of a guide for teenage soccer referees.
Renegade Lawyer Podcast
Episode: Changing the Game: The Renegade Lawyer Referee Ben Glass on Soccer's Culture Problem
Melissa Gonzalez
Professional referee with over 18 years of officiating experience
US Soccer Federation
Episode: Untold Sacrifice: Balancing Life, Career and being a Pro Referee with Melisssa Gonzalez

Host

David Gerson
Host of the podcast, engaging in conversations about the challenges referees face and sharing insights to educate about officiating. Gerson has a focus on mentorship, the evolution of officiating standards, and inspiring the next generation of referees.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 116 ratings
  • Great for Refs and Fans

    Such great listening for any fan of soccer. Obviously this is geared towards referees, but this will give everyone a wonderful insight into what really happens on the pitch.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    bradley.k.white
    United States4 months ago
  • Best podcast for soccer referees

    David’s podcast and social media content is what got me to become a licensed referee back in 2022. David’s approach to refereeing was different than other referee podcasts I listen to. He approaches it with heart, humanity, and humor. His content is engaging and always enlightening. I find myself listening to episodes over and over, taking notes, and applying the information to my referee experience. Whether you are thinking about becoming a soccer referee or have years of experience, this is th... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Luke Witkowski
    United States8 months ago
  • Thank you!

    Thank you for the time and effort you put into your podcast and social media channels. Awareness is one thing and parents/coaches/players could do a little more for their cause by also learning rules or becoming refs. We all think we have it figured out, however, we all are still learning everyday, because we enjoy this game. 🙂⚽️

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Lasherdj
    United States8 months ago
  • Great Perspective

    As a former coach, travel club president and town recreation board member, it is fantastic to understand the perspective of an official. If I was still in the role, I would engage David to speak with our coaches, players, and families prior to each new year. Enjoy the topics and the sound reasoning that come with them.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    PSC NJ/GA Fan
    United States8 months ago
  • Love from a fellow ref

    As someone who started reffing in my mid-30s, I feel like this podcast and all of the content made by David, is so so so helpful. I love his breakdowns of plays and his advice to new referees. I have been thinking about becoming a mentor and it’s because of David that the thought crossed my mind.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    KrisA_Z2014
    United States9 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some listeners express a desire for more emphasis on the challenges faced by women in officiating.
The podcast is praised for its focus on mentorship and education for new referees.
Many find the content relatable, especially those involved in coaching or officiating soccer.
There is a strong sense of community among listeners, fostering discussions about respect for referees in youth sports.
Listeners appreciate the unique insights and humor surrounding the officiating experience.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#243
United States/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#115
Singapore/Sports/Soccer

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Navigating the 2025-2026 Laws of the Game with Leland Grant
Q: What are the key changes in the new laws of the game?
The key changes include restrictions on who can communicate with referees, updated drop ball rules, the controversial eight-second goalkeeper control rule, and a focus on improving on-field behavior.
Crazy Soccer Parents! The Path to Healthier Youth Sports
Q: What would be one key habit or mindset shift that parents can adapt immediately to try and positively influence that sideline?
Skye suggests that parents learn the difference between supportive and distracting behaviors, with a focus on eliminating distracting behaviors to improve the overall environment on the sidelines.
Crazy Soccer Parents! The Path to Healthier Youth Sports
Q: Can you describe the concept of what you see as a level-headed parent and contrast that with a crazy parent?
Skye Eddy explains the difference, stating that crazy soccer parents cause issues on the sidelines while level-headed parents are usually quiet and disengaged due to the presence of crazy parents. She advocates for empowering the majority of level-headed parents to take back the sidelines for the benefit of youth sports.
The Path to NCAA College Soccer Officiating: A Conversation with John Collins
Q: What are the biggest challenges facing our referee community today?
The biggest challenges are overexposure and burnout among referees, along with a need for more people to get involved to alleviate the burden on current officials.
The Path to NCAA College Soccer Officiating: A Conversation with John Collins
Q: Can you talk about the qualities or the intangibles that stand out the most to you when evaluating for NCAA or pro?
I'm looking for skillful thinkers who can manage games, apply the laws properly, and are good athletes. It's about planning, executing, and the overall ability to manage the game effectively.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About REFS NEED LOVE TOO

What is REFS NEED LOVE TOO about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The podcast offers a unique and humorous perspective on the often-overlooked role of referees in soccer and other sports. With a focus on fostering respect and understanding, it covers a range of crucial topics including the challenges referees face, mentorship for young officials, and the urgency of addressing referee abuse in youth sports. Through engaging discussions with experienced officials and advocates, the podcast seeks to educate listeners about the importance of developing the next generation of referees and changing the narrative around officiating. Listeners can expect to gain insights into the complexities of officiating and the personal journeys of those involved in this essential aspect of sports.

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Which podcasts are similar to REFS NEED LOVE TOO?

These podcasts share a similar audience with REFS NEED LOVE TOO:

1. Red or Yellow | The Refereeing Podcast
2. Strict Scrutiny
3. Science Vs
4. Up First from NPR
5. The Joe Rogan Experience

How many episodes of REFS NEED LOVE TOO are there?

REFS NEED LOVE TOO launched 3 years ago and published 89 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on REFS NEED LOVE TOO?

Recent guests on REFS NEED LOVE TOO include:

1. Matthew Conger
2. Skye Eddy
3. Dr. Ryan Martin
4. Dr. Matt O'Brien
5. John Collins
6. Michael Parkhurst
7. Bowen Taylor
8. Ben Glass

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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