Member of the Month: Rigas Karamanos
The CDSRA Executive is pleased to launch the CDSRA Member of the Month. This will feature referees of different ages, levels, and backgrounds to reflect the diversity in our referee community and our association. Our January 2022 Member of the Month is Rigas Karamanos.
Questions & Answers:
Q: Current Referee Level & Highest level attained:
A: District (Former Regional)
Q: When did you begin, and what motivated you to start refereeing?
A: I started to referee in 1999. At the time a player from every CUSA team had to take the referee course and I was chosen to be the one from my team (MidSun Marauders).
What has been your most enjoyable game/memory of your referee career?
A: Too many of them, but one that stands out was the surprise opportunity to referee the Black Cup in October of 2016.
Q: What do you love most about refereeing?
A: I started playing soccer when I was a kid and carried it though most of my life, but I started my refereeing career at 50 years old. When I started refereeing, I loved the part that I gained complete (and correct) understanding of the game. Now, there are two aspects that I love about refereeing, first, the physical exercise and, second, interacting with people. I now referee women’s and men’s teams that have players that I refereed when they were in their early teens or before.
Q: When did you first become a CDSRA member. and what encouraged you to join?
A: I became a member just about 12 years ago and what prompted me to join was the desire to perfect myself as much as possible in my refereeing. The meetings we had and the interaction with many experienced referees, who were more than willing to guide me in my refereeing has been irreplaceable.
Q: What advice would you give to somebody just starting out refereeing?
A: Two things I consider essential are being in good physical condition and make sure to keep updated on all Laws, Rules and Regulations. I found that joining CDSRA has helped me tremendously both through the formal presentations at meetings and informal communication with other members.
Q: What do you do outside of refereeing and what are some of your interests?
A: Prior to my retirement my job occupied most of my time. Now I am searching for new interests, i.e., reading non scientific things (!). I like going for walks and I’m lucky that I live close to Fish Creek Park!
Career Highlights:
Referee-in-chief for Calgary, Minor Indoor Provincial competition, Alberta Soccer Association, 2014
Referee-in-chief for Calgary, Indoor Provincial competition, Alberta Soccer Association, 2012
Referee-in-chief for Calgary, Indoor Provincial competition, Alberta Soccer Association, 2011
Referee-in-chief for Calgary, Indoor Provincial competition, Alberta Soccer Association, 2007
Referee-in-chief for Calgary, Indoor Provincial competition, Alberta Soccer Association, 2006
District Referee Assistant for Calgary, Alberta Soccer Association, 2005 to 2007.
Senior Referee, Mid-Sun Soccer Association, 2001 to 2002.
Registrar, Mid-Sun Soccer Community Association, 1998 to 2002.
Manager, Mid-Sun Marauders O35 Soccer Team, 1998 -1999.
Upgrade & Course History:
Obtained Class 3 (District): 1999
Obtained indoor conversion: 2003
Obtained futsal referee certification: 2004
Obtained Class 2 (Regional): 2006
Rigas was diligent enough to keep record of all the matches he has officiated throughout his career, officiating over 3,500 matches since 1999!