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We asked our match officials a series of questions following the 10th season of League1 Ontario.

From looking back at the season, to important advice and motivation, here are a selection of inspiring, informative, and thought-provoking quotes from our match officials following the 2024 season of League1 Ontario.

What is your highlight from the 2024 League1 Ontario season?

“My first Men’s Premier game in Barrie; the pace and intensity was so much higher and introduced me to what League1 Ontario is all about. Also, being selected to officiate the League2 Women’s Final.” Aidan Memmolo

“Officiating Premier Division games with a lot of other experienced referees, mentoring younger referees towards success, and giving them constructive feedback, as well as enjoying some really competitive games in the province.” Mahboob Gulestani

“Being able to expand my knowledge and network to very good match officials and mentors.” Kevin Harriman

“Getting to work with all the individuals who are in that next group, trying to make the next level in their soccer careers.” Brad Doubrough

“I was extremely proud to be assigned as the head referee on a York and Forge Canadian Premier League match along with my very good friends Josue and Edi. My secondary favourite moment is one of bonding; travelling multiple times to Sudbury, and most specifically when they played Vaughan. It was a must-win match for them and the atmosphere was second to none.” Marko Grubisic

“The opportunity that I was given to progress, refereeing higher levels and having the ability to learn from such experienced and qualified individuals was terrific. One of the greatest assets in my development has been the League1 offseason training. These sessions really helped me improve.” Matthew Hawkins

What is some advice you would give to an aspiring match official?

“Work hard, rewatch your videos, and learn at every opportunity.” Garen Khoudigian

“Put your head down, work hard, and do a good job. Get the support where you need it and the rest will come.” Marko Grubisic

“Have fun. Never give up, and always reach out to more advanced referees for help.” Duncan Chan

“Be confident.” Adeleke Fagbohun

“Don’t concentrate on others. Focus on yourself. Whether it’s the fans yelling at you, or other match officials who are getting appointments that you wished to get, it’s important to focus on yourself and your own journey, and to be confident in what you’re doing.” Austin Fromhold-Treu

“Take all the advice you can and to be involved in as much education and mentoring opportunities as possible.” Rory Clark

“Connect with the match officials around you. There will be good matches, and bad ones, but having a group of officials that you can discuss situations with, debate with, and trust for honest feedback will help you through the challenging times and keep you grounded when things are going well. The friendships I have made as a match official over the last 28 years are invaluable to me and will stay with me when I retire from officiating.” Phil MacLeod

“To the young people who want to become referees, it is worth every moment of sacrifice and every minute spent in the stadiums, whether we are talking about training or matches. Refereeing is a beautiful job: it gives you the opportunity to travel a lot, make new friends and maintain yourself physically and mentally.” Lucian Burlacu

Is there anything you would like to see more from global sport with regards to match officials?

“More recognition for the difficulty the job requires. The attention to detail and need to be borderline perfect.” Aidan Memmolo

“I’d like to see more consistent education and support for match officials globally, including better access to advanced training and technology. This would help ensure uniformity in decision-making and foster the growth of match officials at all levels of the game.” Parsa Norouzian

“Increased transparency from higher-level referee organizations, which could lead to better understanding of refereeing and the laws in the general community, hopefully leading to a higher level of respect towards match officials.” Kristian McColm

“There are so many things that different sports do well when it comes to officiating, and maybe some collaboration in terms of creating a culture that promotes respect for the officiating role could benefit us as soccer officials.” Phil MacLeod

“More recognition and respect. Good referees are pivotal to the game.” Mobin Ashtiani

“The understanding that match officials are still humans and we, just like the players and technical staff, can make mistakes. This does not mean that we can treat each other with disrespect whether it’s by word or action; we are all just trying to be our best for sport.” Amanda Kwan

“Write positive articles about referees when they do a good job so that others get motivated, and do not judge referees based on their age, background, or ethnicity.” Mahboob Gulestani

“More clarity around the laws of the game for parents, coaches, and fans, with actual examples that explain the laws and the application of the laws through the eyes of a match official.” Kevin Harriman

What is your driving factor, or biggest motivation, for continuing to be a match official?

“Advocating for women in sport.” Kanika Johnson

“My biggest motivation is the constant challenge to improve myself, both in terms of fitness and as a match official.” Parsa Norouzian

“Being able to coach the younger officials while also still officiating and one day see my son officiate alongside myself.” Hussain Walji

“Being a part of a community of match officials that all push each other to be better game after game.” Peter Suski

“I have loved seeing how far I’ve come over the past couple years and cannot wait to see how I officiate in another year or two.” Josh Hicks

“The daily challenge to remain fit and sharp, to help others develop, and to continue to grow personally.” Greg Armstrong

“The experience and the community of referees.” Teodora Glisic

“I love football and want to remain involved. I also enjoy mentoring and assisting other younger officials.” Morgan Wright-Mellone