Member of the Month: Greg Young
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 May 2024 Member of the June is Greg Young.
Questions & Answers:
Q: Current Referee Level & Highest level attained:
A: I am currently Regional, and in the process of upgrading to Provincial.
Q: When did you begin, and what motivated you to start refereeing?
A: I began refereeing in the spring of 2017 after years of thinking about it. I was motivated to because I wanted to stay involved in the sport as only playing in lower-level CUSA divisions wasn’t cutting it anymore.
Q: What has been your most enjoyable game/memory of your referee career?
A: My very first game, CMSA U13-4, was memorable because it was me and a pack of young players all chasing the ball around the field – none of us really knew where to be. Since then each year has brought more memorable and challenging games including this year with League1 AB. It’s always cool to look back on that first game and think of how far along I’ve come.
Q: What do you love most about refereeing?
A: When on the field I really like the mental workout you get, having to constantly make decisions while making sure you are in the best spot to make them. Overall, refereeing and the CDSRA has given me a new group of people to connect and learn with.
Q: When did you first become a CDSRA member and what encouraged you to join?
A: I became a member of the CDSRA in my second year of refereeing. I wanted to join because I knew that I wanted to continue with refereeing but I also wanted to continue improving. The IRT and RED sessions have been instrumental for me as I keep trying to go as far I can.
Q: What advice would you give to somebody just starting out refereeing?
A: My advice for newer referee is to reflect on each and every game, as there will always be something you can learn from, and use to improve. Every match that you do will help you develop habits, and those little habits will make a huge difference in the long run.
Q: What do you do outside of refereeing and what are some of your interests?
A: As a teacher I help out with school clubs and sports, mostly soccer, badminton, and robotics. I also spend my time DIYing around the house and yard. My wife and I enjoy hiking and since she is also a teacher we have plenty of time to travel during summers.