In Episode 147, Lance VanHaitsma, CONCACAF’s Refereeing Technical and Development Manager, former Int’l Futsal Referee, and former Big 12 Referee, talks with Phil and Paul about his story and how he worked up the ranks of refereeing, life and leadership lessons learned from refereeing, the importance of resetting after mistakes and how Lance did it, the law vs. spirit of the law, his thoughts on VAR and its impact on the game, referee abuse and why it is critical that we figure out how to stop it, the importance of players learning the laws of the game (and refereeing), and much more. Specifically, Lance discusses:

·      His personal story, including how he grew his passion for soccer, leadership, and refereeing, and how he ended up in leadership of CONCACAF (4:58)

·      His personal why/life purpose and how he is living it out (16:33)

·      The life and leadership lessons he has learned as a soccer and futsal referee, including perspective and enjoying the journey (22:44)

·      The difference between the law and spirit of the law, and what separates good referees from great referees (31:56)

·      How we can work to ensure referees don’t compound mistakes with make-up calls (36:27)

·      Some of Lance’s tricks he used when he was a referee and some great leadership advice (42:37)

·      His thoughts on VAR, its impact on the game and refereeing, and its impact on life outside the game (46:55)

·      Referee abuse, why he believes abuse has increased over the past few years around the world, and an analogy that will definitely make you think (54:52)

·      How he is using lessons learned from the beautiful game in his marriage (1:06:56)

·      His recommendations (1:10:58)

Resources and Links from this Episode

·      Video of the Episode

·      HSEL Facebook Group

·      Warrior Way Soccer

·      Providence World (Donations to HSEL Podcast)

·      Coaching the Bigger Game Program

·      Phil’s email for DISC Training

·      “The Dynasty: New England Patriots” (Apple TV+)

·      “Tom Brady, Leadership Lessons” (The Consello Group)

·      HSEL Brad Miller Episode