Occasionally, referees have the opportunity to travel and advance to the ranks of other top referees. Opportunities to participate in league, regional, national and international tournaments also exist for referees. For others, the income derived from officiating can offset the cost of playing one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. The role of the referee is not an easy one. The challenge that they accept can, at times, be a thankless one.
Referees are a critical aspect of the game.
They serve as a teacher by helping young players learn the rules and the spirit of good sportsmanship. The referee's role is also one of a disciplinarian who must cite players who break the rules of the game. Likewise, referees must be a friend to players and coaches by listening to their points of view with a clear understanding of what is being said. A referee must be all of these things. It's no wonder why officiating is such a difficult avocation.