Last Friday, I started my 16th year as a USSF Soccer Referee. The match was only a middle school girls' game, but it felt good to be on the pitch. I usually start refereeing the first week of January, but not this year. I've had other things on my plate that were priorities over refereeing games. It may be more of that (doing other things) than being on the pitch in 2025.
Over the years, I've enjoyed seeing the players' determination and stamina as I ran alongside them, chasing a ball with a potential scoring opportunity. The thud of the ball being kicked 20-30 yards, the fierce competitors breathing hard, and sometimes sweat rolling down their faces (no matter the level) kept me coming back week after week. My goal, pun intended, is for the players to have a competitive game and fun while at it from the second I blow my whistle at the start of the match and to be safe above all else. The majority of the games are scripted this way.
The crisp spring afternoon with brilliant sunshine was the ticket to run a sound match. Luckily, no coach or parent was a bad agent, and the girls had fun. Success!
bSolielle!
Terri
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