Member of the Month: Cameron Blair
The CDSRA Member of the Month features referees of different ages, levels, and backgrounds to reflect the diversity in our referee community and our association. Our July 2022 Member of the Month is Cameron Blair
Questions & Answers:
Q: Current Referee Level & Highest level attained:
A: I attained the level of National Assistant Referee working professional games in the MLS in both Canada and the US, but unfortunately had to retire from active refereeing for health reasons.
Q: When did you begin, and what motivated you to start refereeing?
A: I started refereeing in 1992 when I was 13. My dad and my brother were active as referees then and encouraged me to start. To be honest I thought it would be good for some part time cash!
What has been your most enjoyable game/memory of your referee career?
A: I have many memorable games to think about, but in 2009 I was given the opportunity to AR on an AC Milan vs LA Galaxy match in LA. This was my first chance to be part of a match in a sold-out stadium with some of the biggest names in the game, like David Beckham and Ronaldinho. A close second was being appointed to the Man Utd vs Celtic game in Toronto with about 40,000 fans at the Rogers Centre. I grew up watching Man U games with my dad when I was young on Saturday mornings, so to be on one of their games was a very cool experience.
Q: What do you love most about refereeing?
A: I always loved soccer. I made college and university teams I think because I always worked hard, but I often spent a lot of time on the bench watching the game. Refereeing allowed me to continue participating in the game I love after finishing University. I think it was important to do my best to allow the game to flow while still ensuring the Laws of the Game were followed. I really enjoyed being able to meet other referees from around the country and the US. Having the opportunity to work with other experienced National, FIFA and professional referees always pushed me to be better.
Q: When did you first become a CDSRA member and what encouraged you to join?
A: I joined the CDSRA early in my refereeing career. My dad is a lifetime member of the CDSRA and former level 1, or Provincial referee. His encouragement to attend meetings and meet other members was important to helping me learn new skills and improve.
Q: What advice would you give to somebody just starting out refereeing?
A: It’s very important to reach out to other referees if you have questions. Maybe something happened in your game that you need to discuss or maybe you need help filling out a form. There are many members of the CDSRA who would be more than happy to help you, including me.
Q: What do you do outside of refereeing and what are some of your interests?
A: Outside of refereeing I stay busy still watching games, travelling with my fiancé, walking and caring for my dogs, and working both as an independent mortgage broker, and in HR with the City of Calgary.