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REFS NEED LOVE TOO

David Gerson
Youth Soccer
Refereeing
Soccer
Youth Sports
Referee Training
Referee Development
Referee Abuse Policy
Soccer Officiating
Fitness
Mentorship
Referees
Grassroots Refereeing
Game Management
Premier League
Soccer Refereeing
Travel Ref
Football Officiating
Referee Abuse
Soccer Referees
Handball Rules

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 monthlyEpisodes105Founded4 years ago
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NewsSoccerNews CommentarySports

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Latest Episodes

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A single referee mistake can hijack your confidence for days, especially when it happens in a high school playoff match with a crowd watching. I share a raw update on a procedural error I had to admit publicly, including the moment ... more

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A playoff match can feel perfect for 50 minutes and then unravel in 10 seconds. That’s what happened to me in Georgia, and I’m not proud of it. I’m sharing the full, raw story of a high school postseason game where I made a procedur... more

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The hardest part of picking up a whistle as an adult isn’t learning the signals, it’s walking onto the field while everyone assumes you’ve done this forever. Holly Jimenez knows that feeling firsthand. She starts refereeing at 42, f... more

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The fastest way to level up as a soccer referee is not learning one more obscure law, it is learning how to handle people when the match te. I’m joined by Jan Aravitra, a former FIFA international referee from Finland with nearly tw... more

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Recent Guests

Holly Jimenez
Local referee; rising star in WPSL/UPSL officiating
Independent referee
Episode: Brand New at 42 with Holly Jimenez - It's Never Too Late To Be Great!
Jan Aravirtra
Former FIFA referee and Finland's respected official, founder of the Referee Academy
Referee Academy
Episode: What Elite FIFA Officials Can Teach Grassroots Referees with Jan Aravirtra, Referee Academy
Scott Ledger
Premier League assistant referee, Pro/Elite official
English Premier League
Episode: Premier League Referee Scott Ledger on Longevity, Learning and Love of the Game
Eric Edge
An English Sunday League referee and creator of the channel Behind The Whistle.
Behind The Whistle
Episode: Inside Sunday League with Eric Edge from "Behind The Whistle"
Alex Perez
USSF regional referee based in Parkersburg, West Virginia.
USSF
Episode: Authority Without Anger: The Quiet Power Of A Calm Referee With Alex Perez
Kevin Klinger
Director of Referee Education and Development at US Officials, professional soccer referee, and mental health professional
US Officials
Episode: The Mental Game: Building Better Referees with Kevin Klinger
Kyle Armstrong
CEO of RefReps and serial entrepreneur
RefReps
Episode: From Shortage To Solution: Reimagining Education For Officials with Kyle Armstrong of RefReps
Danine Gonçalves
Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of The Referee Advocates, seasoned leadership coach with over 30 years in the soccer community.
The Referee Advocates
Episode: Saving Grassroots Soccer Through Referee Support with The Referee Advocates
Sam Rall
Engineer, Referee, and Disruptor, founder of Rare Bit Pro Buzzer Flags
Rare Bit Pro
Episode: From Haters To Hardware: Making Better Buzzer Flags For All Referees

Host

David Gerson
Host and creator focused on referee education and grassroots development; long-time referee

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 121 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 Statesa year 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 Statesa year 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 Statesa year 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 Statesa year 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 Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

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

Some episodes noted as very informative for officials seeking higher levels.
Audience appreciates humor and humanity in officiating stories.
Positive feedback on community-building and relatable storytelling.
Listeners praise practical tips for referees and grassroots growth.
Great for refs and fans—insightful on-field perspectives and mentoring.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#194
United States/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#57
Denmark/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#163
Singapore/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#188
Denmark/Sports
Apple Podcasts
#250
New Zealand/Sports/Soccer

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Respect The Call, Change The Game with Kari Seitz, VP of Referees for US Soccer
Q: What is Respect the Call and how does it complement the existing abuse policy?
Respect the Call extends the conversation from policy to practical behavior on the field. It uses engaging animations and targeted messaging to teach referees when and how to act, how to signal properly, and how to manage abuse in real-time, thereby changing expectations and culture.
Respect The Call, Change The Game with Kari Seitz, VP of Referees for US Soccer
Q: Can you talk about what it's been like this last year since the policy 531-9 was implemented?
There's been more conversation and better portrayal of referees in a positive light, with a structured framework that supports officials. The policy is not just a document; it's the backbone for training, reporting, and taking action when abuse or dissent occurs, which helps retain referees and elevate the profession.
Inside Sunday League with Eric Edge from "Behind The Whistle"
Q: What would you tell someone on the fence about becoming a referee?
Do it! You'll enjoy it more than you think and stay connected to the game.
Inside Sunday League with Eric Edge from "Behind The Whistle"
Q: How has being a goalkeeper prepared you to be a referee?
It helped with game management and understanding pressure as well as communication with players.
Inside Video Review with Greg Barkey, Head of VAR for PRO
Q: What do you think it is about Pro and the MLS that kind of you guys are progressive and willing to embrace technology?
A good relationship with the league has allowed us to innovate and trial new ideas 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?

A candid, practitioner-focused program that centers on refereeing across soccer and other sports, exploring how officials grow—from grassroots to elite levels—through mentorship, mental skills, and better tools. Episodes frequently feature veteran referees, leaders in national officiating, and innovators in referee education and equipment, discussing game management, technology's role, and strategies to foster empathy and respect on the pitch. The show stands out for its hands-on tips, real-world stories from the field, and a strong emphasis on community, mentorship, and expanding opportunities for aspiring officials.

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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. REFSIX - The Referee Podcast
2. For Ref's Sake! - The podcast for football referees everywhere!
3. This is Gavin Newsom
4. The Tony Kornheiser Show
5. Your Money Guide on the Side

How many episodes of REFS NEED LOVE TOO are there?

REFS NEED LOVE TOO launched 4 years ago and published 105 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. Holly Jimenez
2. Jan Aravirtra
3. Scott Ledger
4. Eric Edge
5. Alex Perez
6. Kevin Klinger
7. Kyle Armstrong
8. Danine Gonçalves

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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