7 Reasons to Become a Soccer Official

Posted on February 03, 2022.

1. For the Money

After you make back the amount you spend on equipment the first weekend of officiating, you will see a positive cash flow. Unlike other hobbies, the time spent at officiating will put some money in your pockets. You become an independent contractor and as such, have responsibilities and obligations.

Join the soccer referee community. The number of soccer tournaments, leagues and games continues to grow. The demand for more quality officials is greater than the supply. There are always opportunities.

2. Because You Love the Game of Soccer

Officiating is the best way to stay involved in the game of soccer. The great thing about being an official is that you actually get to be on the field and not on the sidelines. You return something to your sport, your school, and your community.

3. Great way to Stay in Shape

Officiating soccer provides a meaningful reason to stay in shape. As we get older, many adults find it more difficult to find time to exercise. Officiating gives you the opportunity to get out of the house and participate in an enjoyable and rewarding physical activity.

4. Be a Positive Role Model

Officiating provides a unique opportunity to positively influence young people. The official is a role model who is charged with enforcing the concepts of fair play and good sportsmanship. You will learn to bring control to chaos, understand fairness and promote safety.

5. For the Competitor in You

Officiating appeals strongly to the competitive spirit that all of us possess. The successful official is a fierce competitor who enjoys the opportunity to work with teammates toward a common goal of officiating a good game.

6. Personal Development

Soccer officiating requires you to make instantaneous decisions, resolve conflicts. You will learn good communication skills. You will develop the ability to think on your feet. An official will develop the positive characteristics of a police officer, lawyer, judge, accountant, reporter, athlete and diplomat.

7. Make Lifelong Friends

Your fellow officials can become your friends for life. A tremendous bond is developed between officials as they work together for the common good and can only be fully explained after you have experienced it.

 Besides, once an official, you will never look at the game of soccer the same way again!

Original Post: Slightly modified from https://ossrc.com/pdfs/7_Reasons_Referee_Final_103014.pdf