Chat rooms & forums that challenge and push my thinking

Last updated: May 26, 2023

Getting out there and working games is just the start when it comes to progressing as a referee.

But there’s a lot more to do if you want to make it to an elite level.

Below are a few good places I’ve found where I’ve spent time and become a better referee for it.

• I’ll update this page regularly as I come across new resources.

• If you find anything outdated, just let me know and I’ll get it updated!

1. RefJourney (on Substack)

cJust a refereeing blog. But a pretty good one, I think!

You’re already here!

I started RefJourney because I needed an outlet for everything I experience and learn as a green but ambitious referee.

Join me and together, we'll improve our understanding of Laws of the Game, player and game management, fitness, soccer IQ, positioning and so much more. Let's go!

Check out the archive of content

Subscribe to RefJourney

2. Referees (Discord server)

An active chat room that’s well-moderated and very welcoming.

• Great chat room to surround yourself with other ambitious referees (I learn something from the server every day)

• Lots of videos posted and discussions around sanctions, offenses, etc (many of which I’ve written about here at RefJourney)

• The server is run by some very advanced referees who are extremely generous with their time (giving advice, pushing your thinking, relating everything back to LOTG, etc)

• Referees from around the world have joined so there are usually conversations happening around the clock

• You can use your real name or remain anonymous when joining (important for someone like me)

• Whether you want to engage regularly like me or just lurk and learn, it’s a great place to accelerate your referee brain

Join the Referees Discord server

3. RefChat

Plenty of high quality dialogue to make you think hard about all your refereeing decisions.

• Great forum to surround yourself with other ambitious referees mostly from the UK but many different countries (I learn something from the server every day)

• Lots of videos posted and discussions around sanctions, offenses, etc (many of which I’ve written about here at RefJourney)

• The forum is run by some very advanced referees who are extremely generous with their time (giving advice, pushing your thinking, relating everything back to LOTG, etc)

• Lots of respectful discourse and disagreements about certain calls which ends up making everybody better.

• You can use your real name or remain anonymous when joining (important for someone like me)

• Whether you want to engage regularly like me or just lurk and learn, it’s a great place to accelerate your referee brain

Join RefChat

Know a soccer ref? Feel free to share this with them 💙