ADVOCACY / SPEAKING / CONSULTING
Changing sports culture,
one call at a time.
Behind every competitive match is the 3rd team on the pitch—the officials dedicated to keeping the game safe, fair, and fun. Let’s build a sports culture where refs thrive, not just survive.
27+Years corporate executive roles
100+Podcast episodes
10+Years on the pitch
THE 3RD TEAM / REFS NEED LOVE TOO
THE MISSION
Referees are part of the game.
It’s time we treated them that way.
Advocacy, speaking, education and practical consulting for leagues, clubs and communities that want a safer, more supportive culture around officials.
THE CAUSE
The Change We Wish to Create
Refs Need Love Too isn’t just a slogan—it’s a cause. Everyone who loves and serves the beautiful game deserves safety and respect. Including the refs brave enough to officiate it.
I’m not just a content creator; I’m actively involved in shaping grassroots soccer as a referee, league administrator and global influencer. Referees set the tone for the match, and through our words and actions, we can create a positive environment for everyone. It’s time to address the safety and training concerns, turnaround the retention crisis, and treat officials like the human beings they are.
REFEREE CULTURE / ADVOCACY
THE 3RD TEAM DESERVES TO THRIVE.
Safer games. Stronger officials. Better sports culture.
PROJECTS & COLLABORATIONS
Advocacy that reaches beyond the touchline.
Recent work includes consulting for U.S. Soccer, advising on its Referee Abuse Policy and associated training content. Selected project work also includes FIFA.
U.S. SOCCERFIFA
KEYNOTES & SPEAKING
Real Talk for the Sidelines & Summits
No dry lawbook lectures. Drawing from over 27 years in corporate executive roles, a decade on the pitch and 100+ podcast episodes interviewing the best in sports, I bring real stories, humor, and actionable culture shifts to leagues, conventions, and club meetings.
- Sideline Sanity: Shifting parent and coach mindsets from confrontation to collaboration.
- See the Human, Save the Game: Why the ref’s perspective matters.
- Setting the Tone: Practical game management and emotional control under fire.
FEATURED PRESENTATIONS
Presentation Highlights
Tips for Grassroots Referee Success
Mechanics of Great Presenters
EDUCATION & MENTORSHIP
Equipping the Next Generation of Officials
We can’t just throw new refs into the deep end with a whistle and hope they survive. Through hands-on workshops, custom league consulting, and practical mentorship frameworks, I help leagues build environments where young and veteran refs actually want to come back next weekend.
- Fieldcraft & De-Escalation: Mastering communication to calm hot-headed moments instantly.
- Retention Strategies: Building supportive, referee-first programs for clubs and associations.
THE PODCAST
Conversations That Move the Game Forward.
Honest conversations and perspectives from across sports—centered on the people, culture and decisions that shape the game.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Stand with the 3rd Team
Whether you’re looking to inspire your league, level up your officiating skills, or rep the mission on match day, you belong here.
SUPPORT THE MISSION
Gear for the People Who Keep the Game Moving.
The shop remains part of Refs Need Love Too—now it supports the bigger story instead of leading it.
Referee Essentials
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"Pops" Package - All my ref gear in one order!
Regular price $79.99Regular priceUnit price per$95.99Sale price $79.99 -
Premium Soccer Referee Flags
Regular price $42.99Regular priceUnit price per$59.99Sale price $42.99 -
Pro Card Package: Bonus 2 Flip Coins!
Regular price $36.99Regular priceUnit price per$33.99Sale price $36.99 -
Whistle + Finger Grip "The Monster"
Regular price $14.99Regular priceUnit price per$22.99Sale price $14.99
REFS NEED LOVE TOO Kit and Apparel
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Unisex Heavy Blend™ Crewneck Sweatshirt
Regular price From $21.77Regular priceUnit price per -
FUN Ref Socks! (Set of 2 pairs))
Regular price $17.99Regular priceUnit price per$25.99Sale price $17.99 -
Quarter-Zip Pullover
Regular price From $26.13Regular priceUnit price per -
Dark Short sleeve t-shirt - White Refs Need Love Too Logo
Regular price From $23.00Regular priceUnit price per$25.00Sale price From $23.00
Shop the Ref Life
Refs Need Love Too Blog
View all-
Beyond the Whistle: Dr. Skye Arthur-Banning on ...
Every once in a while a guest's bio makes you sit back and think, am I doing enough? 😅That was me reading through Dr. Skye Arthur-Banning's résumé before we recorded...
Beyond the Whistle: Dr. Skye Arthur-Banning on ...
Every once in a while a guest's bio makes you sit back and think, am I doing enough? 😅That was me reading through Dr. Skye Arthur-Banning's résumé before we recorded...
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Grassroots soccer has a referee problem and we'...
Grassroots soccer in America has a referee problem. Pay is often low for the hours, knowledge, and effort required. Abuse is common. Retention is a constant struggle. Most leagues complain...
Grassroots soccer has a referee problem and we'...
Grassroots soccer in America has a referee problem. Pay is often low for the hours, knowledge, and effort required. Abuse is common. Retention is a constant struggle. Most leagues complain...
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Anger Managament
Understanding and managing intense emotions—both theirs and yours—is the ultimate form of Game Management. Here are some lessons from Dr. Ryan Martin, 'The Anger Professor,' on the science behind sideline...
Anger Managament
Understanding and managing intense emotions—both theirs and yours—is the ultimate form of Game Management. Here are some lessons from Dr. Ryan Martin, 'The Anger Professor,' on the science behind sideline...
