Referee of the Month: Elias Rahmouni
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 April 2025 Referee of the Month is Elias Rahmouni.
Questions & Answers:
Q: Current Referee Level & Highest level attained:
A: I am currently District, and in the process of upgrading to regional
Q: When did you begin, and what motivated you to start refereeing?
A: I began refereeing as a mini referee in 2018 but took a break due to the pandemic. I got back into it in 2023 with a fresh mindset and more maturity. What really inspired me was my brother, he’s always been a role model to me, and seeing his growth as a referee made me want to follow in his footsteps. His guidance and support helped spark that passion again.
Q: What has been your most enjoyable game/memory of your referee career?
A: My most enjoyable moment was officiating the Tier 1 U15 Boys gold medal match. It was a fast-paced, competitive game, and being part of that level of play was incredibly exciting. The whole tournament was such a great experience, it gave me confidence and a memory I’ll never forget. It made me realize how far I’ve come and how much I love doing this.
Elias at an ACAC match in Fort McMurray.
Q: What do you love most about refereeing?
A: What I love most about refereeing is how every game is different and presents a new challenge. I enjoy learning how to control games using my own personality and presence on the field. It’s also a way for me to stay connected to the sport I love while constantly improving myself. Refereeing has helped me grow not only as an official but also as a person off the field.
Q: When did you first become a CDSRA member and what encouraged you to join?
A: I became a CDSRA member in 2024. I joined because I wanted to improve as a referee and surround myself with people who have the same goals and mindset. The community has already helped me learn so much, and being around experienced officials has been a big boost. My brother played a big role in helping me join and guiding me through the process.
Q: What advice would you give to somebody just starting out refereeing?
A: My biggest advice is to not be afraid of making mistakes, they’re part of learning. The refereeing community is filled with amazing people who want to help you grow and succeed. Always be open to feedback, and never stop trying to improve. Stay confident, stay humble, and enjoy the journey.
Q: What do you do outside of refereeing and what are some of your interests?
A: Outside of refereeing, I love cooking and baking as a hobby and try my best to try as many different recipes as possible. I’m also a student at the University of Calgary pursuing a degree in Engineering. These interests help keep my mind creative and productive. I like staying busy and always trying something new.