With the UEFA European Football Championship and Copa America in full swing, the world’s eyes are on the grandest soccer stages. Fans are mesmerized by the skills of international stars like Kylian Mbappé of France, Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, and Lionel Messi of Argentina. These tournaments showcase the best of soccer, with games often intense and fiercely contested. For instance, the thrilling Spain vs. Germany match saw an astounding 16 yellow cards!

Amidst the excitement and high-stakes drama, there’s an often-overlooked group working tirelessly to ensure the games are fair and enjoyable: the referees. These officials face incredible pressure and endure various forms of abuse, from being kicked and headbutted to being punched and spat on. Even young referees, some as young as 11, face similar harsh treatments as they start their officiating journeys, as highlighted in an article on The Conversation website.

As Moskowitz and Wertheim put it in their book “Sportscasting,” “if you don’t have at least some sympathy for sports officials, consult your cardiologist immediately!”

With the growing popularity of sports, the job of a referee is becoming increasingly challenging. Millions of fans scrutinize every decision made by a small, dedicated group of professionals. This shrinking pool of willing officials deserves our recognition and gratitude. Let’s take a moment for Referee Appreciation: The Unsung Heroes of Sports.