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Ever wondered what it takes to officiate at the collegiate level? John Collins, the National Coordinator of Men's and Women's Soccer Officials for the NCAA, pulls back the curtain on a world that represents both challenge and opportunity for advancing referees.

With college soccer now boasting the largest officiating pool in NCAA sports—over 5,380 registered officials—Collins reveals the pathways to breaking into this level. "If you're working at the top youth level and at the amateur level, NCAA soccer is probably a fit for you," he explains, detailing how referees typically move from high-level youth matches to college assignments through networking and regional organizations. The conversation delves into how college soccer strategically positions itself between top amateur competitions and professional matches, creating a unique environment where officials can develop and thrive.

Collins, who balances his NCAA leadership role with a career in finance, brings perspectives from his own journey as both collegiate goalkeeper and national referee. His insights on evaluation criteria are particularly valuable: "We're looking for critical, skillful thinkers that can manage games, apply the laws, manage participants, and they've got to be good athletes." This emphasis on critical thinking challenges the simplistic "keep it simple" mantra that many referees learn at grassroots levels.

The discussion also addresses the evolving relationship between NCAA and IFAB rules, referee shortage challenges, and the critical importance of experiential learning and community-building for referee development. Whether you're considering collegiate officiating or simply interested in understanding the referee pathway better, Collins offers wisdom applicable to officials at every level, including his personal philosophy: "Plan for the unexpected."

Ready to explore collegiate officiating opportunities? Email ncaasoccerofficials@gmail.com to learn how to connect with conference assigners or NISOA chapters in your region.

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What does it take to excel as a defender when you don't fit the physical prototype? Michael Parkhurst, who captained Atlanta United to their 2018 MLS Cup victory, reveals how his mind became his greatest strength on the soccer pitch.

"My brain was my biggest asset," Parkhurst explains, detailing how he compensated for lacking the traditional center back qualities of height, strength, and aerial prowess. This mental approach not only fueled his remarkable professional career but also inspired his current mission helping young players develop beyond their technical abilities.

After watching talented academy players fail to earn second contracts despite their skills, Parkhurst co-founded Beyond Goals Mentoring with former teammate Greg Garza. Their organization addresses the immense pressure facing today's young players and teaches the often-overlooked mental skills crucial for success. From building resilience and confidence to developing leadership and emotional control, these tools serve athletes both on and off the pitch.

The conversation offers valuable insights for players, coaches, and referees alike. Parkhurst breaks down what makes a great referee from a player's perspective: mutual respect, clear communication, and consistency. He provides practical advice on player-referee interactions, emphasizing respectful dialogue and emotional management during heated moments.

Parents will find particular value in Parkhurst's observations about sideline behavior and how it affects both player development and referee retention. His perspective highlights how well-meaning parents often undermine their children's growth by removing opportunities to learn through mistakes and develop decision-making skills.

Whether you're a player looking to elevate your mental game, a referee seeking to understand the player's mindset, or a parent supporting a young athlete, this episode delivers practical wisdom from someone who reached soccer's highest levels through intelligence rather than physical dominance. Visit beyondgoalsmentoring.com to learn more about developing the complete athlete.

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Have you ever wondered how the best soccer referees reach the pinnacle of their profession? For national referee Bowen Taylor, the answer lies in stepping out of your comfort zone and traveling to officiate matches across the country.

At just 25 years old, Bowen has already achieved what many referees dream of – earning his national badge and working professional matches in leagues like USL Championship and MLS Next Pro. His secret weapon? Using travel as a catalyst for growth. When you officiate unfamiliar teams on unfamiliar fields with unfamiliar colleagues, you develop adaptability and confidence that transforms your refereeing forever.

In this revealing conversation, Bowen shares how he made the bold decision as a college-aged player to pursue refereeing full-time, recognizing that his potential in officiating far exceeded his prospects as a D2 backup. That decision led him to tournaments across the country, where he strategically sought feedback from national referee coaches and built a support network of colleagues who understand the unique challenges of the profession.

Now, Bowen is making these same opportunities accessible to all referees through Travel Ref, a free platform connecting officials with tournaments nationwide. From prestigious youth competitions to local events in beautiful destinations, the service helps referees find matches that match their qualifications while handling all the logistical complications that previously made tournament travel mysterious and difficult.

Whether you're an ambitious referee looking to advance through the ranks or simply seeking to combine your passion for officiating with seeing new parts of the country, this episode offers practical advice on making referee travel work for you. Bowen's tips on maintaining professionalism, preparing for different environmental conditions, and maximizing feedback opportunities provide a roadmap for successful referee adventures.

Create your free profile at travelref.com and discover how stepping onto new fields might be the key to unlocking your potential as a referee. Your next whistle could be in Miami, Colorado, South Dakota, or beyond – where will your referee journey take you?