Here are some notes to help you enjoy this new episode! 

Today’s guest, Paul Kubach is a well-respected referee in Philadelphia and takes us “behind the stripes” when it comes to being an official in today’s summer club, high school, and collegiate settings. Paul has “grown with the game” and is now the Treasurer and Assignor of The Greater Philadelphia Lacrosse Officials Association (GPLOA). 

Paul gives all listeners a perspective we usually don’t ask for, often assume we know better than, and shares how challenging it can be to call a consistent game. We hope you enjoy Paul’s insights as much as we enjoyed our time interviewing him. 

Youth Sports Hot Topics 

00:11: Introduction 

3:00: For parents: How refs view parents on the sideline. Do refs even care? Let’s not make it personal. A ref’s job is…… 

8:30: For players: Do palms up get a player anywhere?  Better calls? Coaches coach, players play, refs ref. Just focus on the next play and watch your language. 

14:45: For coaches: Breaking down the rulebook. The biggest challenges to calling a fair game. Being consistent. Do referees watch film? 

Questions & Answers 

23:30: Growing up in Northeast Philadelphia as a football and baseball guy. Go Eagles! 

24:24: Paul’s first introduction to lacrosse. Drop the ball……and never looked back. 

27:30: How do refs receive feedback and grow? Rulebook vs learning on the field. Rare calls. 

30:34: A convert to the game. How lacrosse won Paul over.  

31:50: How to get started as a referee and move up the ranks.  

36:00: Being a good ref is more than knowing the rules. It’s “how” you show up. 

36:45: Understanding all the rules….mens, womens, shot clocks, and more. Fan friendly?   

39:50: Calling big games.  Challenges, reflections, and eye black.   

44:47: GPLOA. What is it? And what is an Assignor?  How to get started as a ref. 

47:50: Rapid Fire NXT Homework