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Ever wondered what it takes to be a top-tier referee across multiple sports? Our guest Paul Risdall, a seasoned official in soccer, basketball, and lacrosse, shares his remarkable journey from a young referee to a collegiate and semi-pro level officiant. Paul’s unique story includes a hiatus from the referee world, only to return and ascend to new heights in officiating while balancing his role as the lead pastor and a dedicated family man. Tune in to hear about his thrilling initiation into high school varsity soccer and how it sparked a deeper passion for refereeing.

Join us as we explore the distinct challenges inherent in officiating different sports, with Paul providing insights into the intense environments of high school basketball and the nuanced world of girls lacrosse. Learn about the progression of refereeing careers and how the Minnesota State Referee Association plays a pivotal role in supporting officials at various levels. Our conversation also delves into the differences in pay scales and the added responsibilities that come with advancing to collegiate and semi-pro levels.

In an innovative twist, Paul recounts his frustration with existing referee gear, which led him to create his own rewritable referee cards. Discover the journey and success of these cards, now used by professional referees. We wrap up the episode with heartfelt reflections on the connections and friendships formed through soccer refereeing and offer a special discount on referee merchandise as a token of our appreciation for our listeners. Don’t miss this engaging and inspiring episode of "Refs Need Love Too"!