Referee of the Month: Ramin Shafagh
The CDSRA Referee of the Month features referees of different ages, levels, and backgrounds to reflect the diversity in our referee community and our association. Our May 2025 Referee of the Month is Ramin Shafagh.
Questions & Answers:
Q: Current Referee Level & Highest level attained:
A: I am currently a District-level referee and in the process of upgrading to the Regional level.
Q: When did you begin, and what motivated you to start refereeing?
A: I began refereeing in 2023. Soccer has always been a part of my life—it's in my blood. I began playing soccer when I was just five years old and continued at various levels, from playing in alley games to university competitions and organized leagues. Even after experiencing serious knee injuries, I stayed close to the game by coaching. However, coaching never gave me the same fulfillment as being on the field. I wanted to feel the energy, the rhythm, and the spirit of the game firsthand. That desire led me to become a referee, allowing me to contribute to the game I love in a meaningful way.
Q: What has been your most enjoyable game/memory of your referee career?
A: One of my most memorable moments was serving as an Assistant Referee during a competitive match. At one point, a coach yelled loudly at the center referee. The referee calmly paused the game, listened to the coach, and then issued a yellow card. What struck me most was the coach's behavior after the match—he approached the referee with a handshake and a big smile, despite having lost the game. That moment reminded me of the respect and sportsmanship that can shine through even in intense situations. It made me feel proud to be part of the officiating team.
Q: What do you love most about refereeing?
A: What I love most is being part of the "spirit of the game." As referees, we don’t just make calls—we make decisions that uphold fairness and integrity. It’s about understanding the flow of the game, anticipating what comes next, and managing its rhythm. It’s not always easy; sometimes, the direction changes quickly, and you have to adapt. Refereeing challenges both your character and your composure, and I’m proud to be part of a community that values both
Q: When did you first become a CDSRA member and what encouraged you to join?
A: I joined CDSRA in 2023, encouraged by recommendations from fellow referees. Since then, I’ve learned a great deal from the many informative and well-organized sessions the association provides. I’m especially grateful to the CDSRA leadership team for building such a strong, supportive, and knowledgeable referee community.
Q: What advice would you give to somebody just starting out refereeing?
A: As someone who is still fairly new to refereeing—but not new in age—I’d say: Never give up! If you love it, make it yours. Embrace the role, commit to learning, and grow with the game. It’s not always easy, but with the right mindset, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences out there.
Q: What do you do outside of refereeing and what are some of your interests?
A: After retiring from a professional career in engineering, I transitioned into the world of soccer refereeing with passion and purpose. Outside the field, I love spending quality time with my family. I also try to stay away from the distractions of media and focus on living in the moment. Helping others and staying active in my community are things that bring me peace and fulfillment.