Check Complete Podcast

We are trying something new with the show. World Cup news and a giveaway, we have stuff for you!00:00 — Intro11:04 — Gearing Up for the New Season12:26 — Tub of Goodies14:50 — Giveaway18:07 — WC Fallout23:42 — FIFA Sellout Attempt27:46 — IFAB Statement on Embolo Yellow Card31:50 — Omar Artan — UEFA Super Cup Appointment33:45 — Hunley's Backpacking Plans for 203036:17 — We Are Trusting Fellas37:04 — New Look — Aye or Nay?

We are discussing the World Cup Quarterfinal refereeing decisions that stood out as well as VAR interventions. How do you feel the refereeing has been so far in the World Cup, what has been a success and what needs to be improved? 00:00 Welcome 00:29 Intro 01:32 A Fruit in the Beer 🍺 02:36 World Cup Quarterfinals Discussion 02:57 Semifinal Matchups 03:37 Egypt vs Argentina 06:32 USA vs Belgium 14:45 Potential Fallout 16:12 England Red Card vs Mexico 18:49 Spain vs Belgium – Handball? 20:51 Norway vs England 26:23 Spider Cam Cable Interference? 33:03 Switzerland vs Argentina – Embolo Red Card 40:02 Outro

World Cup update edition on location at Lawrence Beer Company in Lawrence, Kansas. We are discussing some controversial decisions from recent matches including the suspension of the suspension that everyone is talking about. Has FIFA opened a can of worms and will all red card suspension be questioned now?00:00 Introduction01:07 New Location – Lawrence01:47 Folarin Balogun Red Card Suspension Controversy17:06 Portugal vs. Croatia Offside Decision23:15 2002 USA vs. Germany Handball No-Call24:04 VAR or No VAR? Discussion25:11 Germany vs. Paraguay – VAR Intervention & Goalkeeper Foul27:34 France vs. Paraguay Referee Controversy37:57 Outro

Discussion with our old friend, Jason Paepke about friendships we made through the game as referees. World Cup updates about surprises and referee performances so far.Fitness tips and techniques for referees from Runnin' Ref Austin Ardrey.

Discussion around law changes that were implemented for last season and how they affected the game. Kansas State Youth Referee Administrator Devin Blazek breaks down his experience with the changes. The Check Complete Crew took a road trip to Chicago for the World Cup send off match USA vs Germany, followed by a spirited discussion about upcoming law changes and which are already used in the World Cup matches. Connect with us with your opinions on how you feel about the changes and the impact they could have.

00:00 Pre-Episode Chatter

02:12 Intro

02:43 World Cup Game: Germany vs Curaçao

05:44 Kyle Atkins' First 2026 World Cup Game

06:32 Tori Penso & Crew Await Their Assignment

07:31 Shoutout to Referees' Spouses

08:40 Law Changes 2025/26

10:44 USA-Germany Send-Off Game Trip to Chicago

11:49 The Importance of Hydration

12:37 There Were a Lot of Germans!

13:52 Only the Captain!

22:47 Goalkeeper 8-Second Rule

24:41 Devin Blazek on the 8-Second Rule

28:35 Reaction to Devin Blazek's Take

31:42 Additional Discussion

34:29 Interference by a Player or Coach Off the Field

37:06 Law Changes for Next Season

37:51 Ten Seconds for Substitutions

44:18 Player Equipment Changes

47:17 VAR Changes

48:32 Mistaken Identity

52:00 5 Seconds for Throw-Ins

53:33 Frustrations with Time-Wasting Behavior

56:09 World Cup "Commercial Breaks"

58:12 Covering the Mouth During Confrontations

1:00:29 Teams Walking Off the Pitch in Protest

Welcome to this episode dedicated to helping soccer referees better understand the Laws of the Game. We discuss the rules that govern the sport, discussing key concepts and decisions referees need to make on the field. Join us as we break down the game and strive for consistency in officiating. Watch now to enhance your knowledge and skills on the field.Expert advice from our industry expert, MLS Assistant Referee Jeff Swartzel is included at no extra charge.

00:00 Pre-show silliness

00:22 Intro – Understand the Laws

09:19 It's in the Book Because It Happened Somewhere!

10:18 Jeff Swartzel's Take on the Laws

13:33 Discussion on Jeff's Take on the Laws

15:04 Bending the Rules vs. Adjusting to What the Game Expects

15:40 The Pillars of Refereeing

17:08 Phone a Friend

17:27 The Time Brandon Called Gordie for Advice

18:26 Other Ways to Get Help Interpreting the Laws

21:16 The Referee Lounge as a Resource

21:54 The Referee's Customers – Who Are They?

23:46 You Must Know the Laws

25:25 Laws vs. Rules

27:33 Outro

In this episode, we will discuss how referees can effectively handle unruly behavior from spectators during soccer matches. Learn valuable techniques and strategies for maintaining control and ensuring a safe environment for all involved. Subscribe to stay updated on more helpful tips for referees in handling challenging situations.

Discussion on how a mentor can help soccer referees to be more effective. Do you want to be mentored but don't know what step to take next? What do mentors do, how can they help an inexperienced referee? Should you as a referee become a mentor?

Have you had one of those games when all the sudden the dissent increases and the fouls seem to be getting more vicious by the minute? Fear not, we have some tips and tricks to get back to normal operating temperature.

Discussion on the importance of having a pregame talk with your crew to ensure you are on the same page. Our Industry experts weigh in with their opinions and helpful tips.