~Will Cook~ Class of 2025

After I broke my ankle in early 2023, I could no longer play soccer that season. Although I was frustrated at first, I came up with a solution that would allow me to stay involved in a sport I love: I decided to pursue a license to be a soccer referee. Subsequently, I completed the online courses, studied evaluation material, and passed the written and in-person certification exams. While it was quite time-consuming and challenging, I found it interesting and learned even more about the sport. I am now a USASF (United States of America Soccer Federation)-certified soccer referee.

In the fall, I refereed three to four games every weekend, and I will do the same in the spring. I am also considering pursuing my futsal license or refereeing indoor soccer games this winter. I am often by myself as a center referee, but I also work as an assistant referee (on the touchline to support a center referee). 

The decision to become a referee after I broke my ankle helped me develop important skills in time management, leadership, and financial management. 

My time management skills have improved because I plan out my weekends in advance due to my referee schedule. I need to coordinate and communicate with my parents to get to the field on time and get rides to and from the games, which are at various fields in different towns in the area. 

In addition, my leadership skills have improved because I am managing up to 22 players on the field and handling hostile parents and aggressive coaches on the sidelines. As a referee, I am also responsible for the small players on the field and the players who feel overwhelmed by more aggressive players.

Being a soccer referee also taught me that I have to manage my money. I opened a bank account and bought my first CD (Certificate of Deposit) with my referee paychecks.  I like to buy gifts for my family with the money I earn. I bought stuffed animals for my sister and a Patrice Bergeron “Funko Pop” figure for my dad.

While breaking my ankle was discouraging and frustrating, ultimately, this event helped me find a new way to enjoy an activity and allowed me to learn a number of skills that will help me manage difficult situations and responsibilities in the future.