Partners on the Pitch

In every newsletter we look to tell our members more about our fantastic partners. In this edition, we focus on the people in the middle (or the touchline!). Learn more about the USSF referees as we tell their story. If you have an older player, you definitely don't want to overlook the opportunity they all have to find a way to stay involved with the game they love.

Why Supporting Referees Strengthens the Game for Everyone

On any given weekend across Greater Cincinnati and beyond, soccer fields fill with activity. Players compete, coaches instruct, families cheer. What often goes unnoticed is the simple truth that none of it happens without referees.

Here at Cincinnati United Soccer Club (CUSC) we are using this edition of the newsletter to highlight the essential role referees play in youth soccer— and to better understand how clubs, families, and players can support them. Earlier this fall, CUSC launched a referee information page on its website aimed at explaining the referee pathway and helping interested community members learn more about officiating. This article builds on that effort, not as a recruitment pitch for one club, but as a way to recognize referees as vital partners in a shared game that belongs to everyone.

To help tell that story, we spoke with John Sauer, a member of the Mid-West Soccer Officials Association (MWSOA) Executive Board of Directors. MWSOA supports referees across a large portion of the Midwest, working with many clubs and leagues. Their work— and the officials they develop— benefits the entire soccer ecosystem, including but far beyond CUSC.

Finding the Path to the Whistle

There is no single blueprint for becoming a referee. According to Sauer, most journeys into officiating begin with a simple connection to the game itself.

Many referees are former players looking for a way to stay involved after their playing days are over. Others come to refereeing after years spent watching their children play from the sidelines. Some are college students or young adults drawn by the flexibility and earning potential. What unites them is a shared love of soccer.

“It starts with the game,” Sauer explains. “Whether you played, are playing, or spent years watching your kids play, that connection is usually what brings people in.”

Giving Back to a Game That Gave So Much

Sauer’s own path into refereeing reflects a deeper sense of responsibility to the sport.

After years around the game as a player and parent, he decided that if he was going to have opinions about officiating, he should step onto the field himself. He began refereeing to help cover his son’s high school matches, earning both high school and U.S. Soccer Federation certifications.

Over time, he officiated increasingly competitive matches, including high school state finals at Crew Stadium— experiences that helped him learn how to manage pressure and make confident decisions in demanding environments.

Today, Sauer continues to referee, but he is equally invested in mentoring others. He works closely with new and developing officials, emphasizing encouragement, growth, and constructive feedback.

“When that whistle goes in your mouth, your perspective changes,” he says. “You start to see the game differently— how it flows, how it needs to be managed, and how quickly decisions have to be made.”

Clearing Up Common Misunderstandings

Referees often hear comments suggesting bias or favoritism, but Sauer is clear that this misunderstanding misses the reality of the role.

“Referees don’t come to games with a pre-determined bias,” he says. “There are no favorites. We call the game as we see it.”

Another misconception is how physically and mentally demanding officiating can be. Soccer is fast, continuous, and unpredictable. At higher levels, referees routinely run seven to eight miles in a match, all while tracking play, managing players, and making split-second decisions without the benefit of replay.

Managing the Game, Not Just the Laws

While rule knowledge is foundational, Sauer emphasizes that effective refereeing is about more than simply calling fouls.

“Managing the game is the hardest part,” he explains. “Not every foul is called. Good referees manage the game to the level of play and what the players want to have called.”

That management might involve quiet communication, preventative officiating, or recognizing when firm action is necessary. Often, the best refereeing is subtle— felt in the rhythm of the match rather than noticed in a single moment.

Staying Prepared— On and Off the Field

Referees train with intention. Many maintain fitness year-round, running 10–12 miles a week in the offseason. During the season, they stay current through continuing education events, online learning, and regular reviews of rule changes.

Mental preparation matters just as much. Referees must learn to leave the stresses of daily life behind and focus fully on the match in front of them.

“You don’t ref to get in shape,” Sauer notes. “You get in shape to ref.”

Shaping Soccer Culture at the Community Level

At the grassroots level, referees play a significant role in shaping how the game is experienced.

Safety is always the first priority— ensuring fair play and protecting players from harm. But beyond that, referees influence how young athletes respond to challenges, mistakes, and emotions.

When officials are fair, consistent, and respectful, they set a standard for everyone involved. They model accountability and sportsmanship in ways that extend beyond the field.

Moments That Make It Worthwhile

Some of the most impactful moments in refereeing are not dramatic. A timely caution that calms a heated situation. A conversation that prevents escalation. Clear communication that establishes control early in a match.

Others come quietly after the final whistle, when a player or coach offers sincere appreciation.

“Being thanked for doing a good job—that’s incredibly rewarding,” Sauer says. “It reminds you why you’re there.”

Why Refereeing Is Worth Considering

While officiating isn’t for everyone, Sauer believes many people would benefit from learning more about it— especially young players, former players, and parents.

Refereeing offers personal growth in communication, decision-making, and confidence. It provides meaningful physical activity, financial compensation for time invested, and a way to give back to a sport that has given so much to many families.

Training, Mentorship, and Support Networks

New referees are supported from the start. Organizations like MWSOA provide structured training, mentorship at all levels, referee academies with real-time feedback, and ongoing education throughout the year. Much of the learning is available online, making it accessible for busy schedules.

CUSC’s referee information page was created with this same goal in mind— to make the pathway clearer, less intimidating, and easier to explore for anyone who is curious about officiating. The page connects readers to training resources and outlines how referees are developed and supported locally and regionally.

More information can be found at: cincinnatiunitedsc.com/ussf-referees

Supporting Referees Strengthens the Game

Clubs, families, and coaches all play a role in creating a healthier environment for referees. That begins with leadership, education, and a shared commitment to respect.

“The referee has a critical role,” Sauer says. “The game cannot happen without them.”

His message to the soccer community is simple: referees work hard, care deeply, and strive to do their best. Just like players and coaches.

As soccer continues to grow, supporting referees is not just about filling assignments. It’s about protecting the culture of the game and ensuring positive experiences for everyone involved.

When referees are valued as true partners on the pitch, the entire soccer community is stronger for it.

Thanks to John, pictured below brandishing the dreaded red card on a trip to Manchester City, and to everyone else who contributed to this article.

On a wider scale, thanks to everyone and anyone who continues to stay involved in refereeing- there is no game without you. We hope that this articles helps us all to support, and maybe get involved, with the refereeing community, and we will include the link to our resources page along with direct links to MWSOA at the end of the newsletter. Please pay it forward and share with anyone who you think could benefit from reading this or exploring more!