Just a couple of months ago, David Garza was a referee-in-training who was about to dip his toes into grassroots football. Fast forward a bit, and he’s managed to get a sizable chunk of games under his belt.

“It’s been going good. I’ve managed to ref around 40 games since starting in mid-October,” Garza said. “I’ve done 30 games as AR (Assistant Referee) and 10 games as center ref. Most of the games I have done have been youth soccer ranging from U9 to U19.”

Despite having his critiques of the online course prior to starting, he has now softened his tone regarding the course, perhaps with a better sense of its purpose. 

“The online course really just served as a fundamental guide to refereeing,” Garza said. “I felt that I learned most about refereeing from seeing other fellow refs and receiving feedback from them. The imposter syndrome was strong in my case but seeing experienced refs and even younger refs able to do a good job really encouraged me. After a few games, the nerves were basically gone.”

“I know some are turned away from refereeing due to spectator/coach behavior, but I honestly thought this problem (is) milder than what I originally thought,” Garza shared. “What makes refereeing fun, in my opinion, is the community that you become a part of. I would say that 99% of fellow refs I have interacted with have either been extremely helpful and eager to improve.”

“If you (are) genuinely interested in becoming a ref, go for it! I know that it might seem daunting and one might not feel prepared when starting out,” Garza said. “But as I said earlier, the community that you join really supports you in improving as a referee. Just like the teams we ref, we the referees are also a team.”

Just like Garza, Levi Fox, another USSF referee, has had a positive experience working in this space, as he has learned the importance of community and constant growth as a match official.

“If you're considering becoming a USSF referee, try to approach the role with humility,” Fox said. “Be prepared to face challenges, make mistakes, and grow from those experiences. Seek out advice from more experienced referees and don’t hesitate to ask questions—they’re invaluable for your development.”

Fox has also found that, with time, officiating matches has brought him closer to the game he loves, both on and off the pitch.

“It shifts your perspective (on soccer) positively. Officiating helps you gain a deeper appreciation for the game, whether you're watching or playing. It enhances your love for soccer,” Fox said. “Being involved as a referee strengthens your connection to the sport as a whole. Ultimately, being a referee is about taking the initiative to commit to the role and maintaining the right attitude.

As referees like Garza and Fox show, being part of the USSF officiating community offers more than just a chance to make calls; it’s a path to personal growth, connection, and a deeper love for the game itself.