Surf Cup attracts highly qualified soccer referees from all around the United States and the World. Many come from San Diego, but 50% or more, can come from places further away like L.A., San Francisco, New Mexico, Wisconsin… even Europe!

Refs will work both the center and the line at Surf Cup

The refs invited to the tournament like the high level of competition and the increased challenge and prestige it brings. Jim Kerr, the referee recruiter for Surf Cup works on 10 other tournaments but says that Surf Cup is his favorite. Jim’s dedication to quality refereeing and mentoring is one of the reasons so many refs come back year after year.

Many referees come to improve their skills in the highly competitive environment of the tournament. Surf Cup allows referees a chance to advance their career because of the vast differences in playing styles and attitudes that are present in the wide variety of teams that represent all regions of the U.S.A. A lot of pressure is sometimes put on the referees because of the higher stakes, which can be a great way for them to increase their skills and professionalism.

The Surf Cup also provides referees with on-site training and mentoring as well as providing them constructive reviews from state and national assessors like Ali Hacock. (See Part 1 of this story).

“This is a very high level tournament and referees want the challenge of doing top level games. They feel it is prestigious…they like to work with and learn from other referees.”-  Jim Kerr, referee recruiter for the Surf Cup.

Some refs view the Surf Cup in a more pleasant and relaxing way. Especially for those who come from outside San Diego, the tournament provides a great opportunity to visit the city and experience the wonderful weather and beaches. Refs have to pay their own way to get to the tournament, they bunk together in Surf Cup provided hotel rooms and some refs turn the trip into a working vacation. Refs who come back year after year like to reconnect and work with old friends and colleagues and enjoy the sport they love so much.

If you haven’t already, read Part 1 of this story.