I am a licensed USSF Referee. I have been officiating soccer off and on since 1998. I have remained a Grade 8 official because I am able to officiate on all of the levels of play that I enjoy at this level and there are no real physical requirements for me to remain at this level. The physical requirements for the Pro and FIFA referee’s are intense, which is probably why you do not see too many of them in their fifties. This is also why they are the best in the world.

Today I am grateful for all of the mentors, assessors, other referees and people who watch me officiate and give me feedback on how I can improve. I always want to give the sport my best, when I am on the pitch. So I am always looking for feedback and I appreciate those who are willing to share their experiences and knowledge with me. This past week I have been officiating at the Arizona State Championships and President’s Cup tournaments. I have enjoyed working with other officials as well as receiving feedback from USSF assessors and mentors. It is nice to know that while I am watching a sport that I love, that I am able to stay in shape and help keep the participants safe; after all, that is the true job of an official, keep the players safe by enforcing the Laws of the Game.