Referee

A Story of Growth, Connection, and Rising Success

Four years ago, a bold vision came to life on the campus of Grinnell College, one that would reshape the future of referee development in Iowa. That summer marked the launch of the Iowa Soccer Referee Academy, strategically aligned with the player development camp held each July. The mission was clear: to create an immersive, supportive environment where young officials could be trained, mentored, and equipped for the challenges of competitive match officiating. Without a doubt, it plays a critical role in the training of young officials, who are essential to the game. 

Since that inaugural year, the Academy has evolved far beyond being just a training ground. It has grown into a catalyst for leadership, a hub for mentorship, and a tight-knit community where aspiring referees are molded into confident professionals. The success stories emerging from this initiative speak volumes. Not just about the curriculum, but about the power of connection, support, and opportunity.

Among those success stories, four individuals stand out. Not only for their on-field excellence, but for their journeys that began, or were shaped, at Grinnell.

Beaux Blanchard arrived at the Academy with quiet determination and deep focus. Over the years, he has become one of Iowa’s standout young officials. This summer, he has represented the state at the national level, officiating at the US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup and the NCSA Youth Nationals. His rise exemplifies the Academy’s influence and his unwavering work ethic.

Aaron Blanchard took his first steps into refereeing on the fields at Grinnell College. This year, in his debut appearance at the Midwest Regional Presidents Cup, he earned the rare honor of officiating a final match, an impressive achievement for a first-time attendee. His journey is marked by rapid growth and a strong foundation built right where it all began.

Anna Turri’s journey shows the power of perseverance. Initially selected as a standby for a final match at this year’s Midwest Regional Presidents Cup, she stayed engaged, resilient, and eager to improve. Now, she returned to the Referee Academy as an instructor for the second consecutive year, completing her journey and serving as a powerful role model for the next generation of young referees.

Nikki Schuppan embodies poise and leadership. After attending the Academy as an instructor last year, she was selected to the NCSA Youth Nationals for the third time as an official. Her ongoing involvement highlights not only her technical skills but also her dedication to giving back to the program that helped shape her career. Her presence reminds us that leadership is developed through both experience and service.

These individuals embody the mission of the Referee Academy at Grinnell College: transformation, excellence, and the strong bonds that grow when young officials are equipped with tools and support to succeed. Led by experienced coaches, mentors, and instructors, the Academy fosters a supportive learning environment where young referees draw inspiration from those who have come before them.

As each July approaches, the fields and classrooms at Grinnell ring with the sound of whistles, the exchange of ideas, and the energy of a new generation of referees discovering their footing. The Academy is no longer just a summer event, it is a launchpad for future leaders in Iowa and beyond. With each new class stepping onto the pitch, they carry lessons, values, and vision instilled by Iowa Soccer and the Iowa Referee Committee, ensuring the continued growth of Iowa Soccer for years to come. 

Between 2018 and 2022, the State of Iowa experienced a 46% decline in certified soccer referees, leading to numerous youth and adult matches lacking adequate officiating. Recognizing the critical role that referees play in ensuring fair and equitable competition, Iowa Soccer Association launched its Referee Development Program (RDP) in May 2023. This initiative represents a substantial investment of more than a quarter million dollars over three years, aiming to recruit, retain, train and support referees across the state.

The decline in referees is not unique to Iowa. Nationwide, youth sports programs are grappling with a significant shortage of officials. Surveys reveal that over 70% of referees leave the role due to verbal abuse and harassment from parents, coaches and players, leading to significant challenges in referee recruitment and retention.

“RDP focuses not just on individual skill but on creating a culture where we grow together with our clubs, united as a vital part of the Iowa soccer community,” said Hidajet Tica, Iowa Soccer Referee & Sportsmanship Director.

The RDP offers Iowa Soccer members exclusive access to resources that promote “Respect 4 All,” emphasizing the collective responsibility of coaches, players, referees and supporters in fostering a positive game environment. By addressing participant behavior and enhancing referee training, the program aspires to elevate the overall soccer experience in Iowa.

Through targeted programming that addresses participant behavior during games, along with a strategic partnership with the Iowa Referee Committee (IRC), the RDP is focused on recruiting, retaining, training and supporting referees. This collaborative effort aims to increase the number of certified soccer officials in Iowa while enhancing the overall gameday experience for players, coaches and fans alike.

“Referee development programs are the cornerstone of fair play in sports,” said Rob Sorey, Iowa State Referee Administrator. “By investing in the training and growth of officials, we not only ensure the integrity of the game but also cultivate the next generation of leaders who uphold the values of fairness, respect and accountability.”

The impact of the RDP has already been evident, with a number of clubs actively participating in the program. These collaborations are pivotal in rebuilding the referee community and ensuring that matches are conducted with integrity and professionalism.

“Des Moines Soccer Club has been participating in the Referee Development Program (RDP) since its inception,” said Steve Wilke-Shapiro, Director of Referees at Des Moines Soccer Club. “A major benefit we have experienced is that our program now provides a more professional experience for our families at very little cost. It is great to see the 12 to 14 year old aspiring referees out on the fields (dressed in their RDP shirts) engaging with kids, teaching soccer, and of course building their own skill set.”

By taking a comprehensive approach, the RDP not only addresses the immediate shortage of referees but also seeks to create a sustainable community for officials. The initiative directly tackles key factors contributing to the shortage, such as toxic sideline behavior, by promoting a culture of respect and accountability among all stakeholders. Through investment in education, support and long-term solutions, Iowa Soccer Association is focused on taking significant steps to secure the future of soccer in the state.

“The RDP was designed with two basic principles to increase the number of referees,” said Dan Cataldi, Chief Executive Officer of the Iowa Soccer Association. “First, eliminate barriers by making it easier to get started. Second, it aims to improve the experience for new referees by making what they learn in training more relevant to what they experience and by creating a more positive environment at the field.”

The Referee Development Program (RDP) was established through the Innovate to Grow Fund, which was introduced by the U.S. Soccer Federation in pursuit of its mission to make soccer the preeminent sport in the United States. The initiative seeks to develop underserved soccer communities, with an overall focus on building the sport at the grassroots level.

To contact the Iowa Soccer Association, please call (515) 252-6363 or email admin@iowasoccer.org. Also make sure to follow us on social media!