Embracing Professionalism: Why College Soccer Demands a New Mindset from Referees

As the landscape of collegiate athletics continues to evolve, so too must the people charged with upholding its integrity. While much attention has rightfully been given to the changes affecting players and coaches, there remains a critical piece of the puzzle that must adapt in equal measure: the referees.

The college game today needs more than competent officiating—it needs a professional attitude. Referees are no longer operating in a casual, part-time arena. Instead, we are a vital part of an increasingly professional ecosystem of college sports. Here are three key reasons why the role of the college soccer referee must be approached with a new level of professionalism:

1. Players Are Playing Like Pros—And Earning Like Them Too

Today’s collegiate soccer athletes are not simply student participants—they are compensated performers. Through athletic scholarships, many players receive substantial financial support. Add in the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, and some student-athletes are earning incomes that exceed the minimum salaries in professional leagues around the world.

With these earnings come expectations. Players are training year-round, signing marketing deals, and performing under the bright lights of national broadcasts. This is true for every level of college soccer (Division I, II and III). They are under pressure from coaches, fans, and now even sponsors. As these athletes elevate their professionalism, so too must we who manage their games. Our preparation, demeanor, and conduct on the field must reflect the professional level of the athletes we oversee.

2. College Coaches as CEOs

Collegiate coaches today are not just seasonal employees—this is a profession. They are highly paid institutional representatives. Many of which enjoy long-term contracts, performance incentives, and extensive support staff. Their roles extend beyond game strategy to recruiting, compliance, public relations, and institutional branding.

These coaches are professionals who demand accountability and consistency, and they expect the same from us, the crews assigned to their matches. A missed call or poorly managed situation can have major consequences—not just for the game’s outcome, but for postseason opportunities, contract incentives, and the broader reputation of the program. We must approach interactions with coaches not as temporary job assignments, but as professional engagements that require poise, preparation, and presence.

3. Referees Must Adapt Their Mindset from Job to Profession

Perhaps our most urgent change required is in our mindset of the college referee. Too often, we officiating at the collegiate level treat it as a "side job", a weekend gig or seasonal opportunity. While it’s true we are independent contractors, this status should not limit our pursuit of excellence or the understanding of our role within a larger professional context. College soccer officiating is not a proving ground—it is a destination.

Every referee on a collegiate field is representing more than themselves—they are representing the officiating community, the conferences that assign them, and the credibility of the game. We must think beyond the next assignment and build a career mindset, rooted in ongoing education, self-assessment, fitness, communication, accountability, and professionalism. The college game demands it.

Case Report and Final Thoughts

Gary Higgins is preparing to begin his first season as head coach of the NC State women’s soccer program in the ACC this fall. His journey to this position reflects a steady climb through the ranks of collegiate soccer. Higgins played four years (2006–2009) at Lenoir-Rhyne University, a private Division II institution in Hickory, NC, competing in the South Atlantic Conference. After graduation, he played in both the USL and NPSL as well as represented Scotland at the U-18 national team level.

Higgins transitioned into coaching as an assistant at Lenoir-Rhyne (2010–2011) and then Tusculum University in Tennessee (2012–2015). He returned to his alma mater as head coach of the Lenoir-Rhyne women’s team, leading the program from 2016 to 2022 and becoming the all-time winningest coach in its history. He then moved to the Division I level, guiding East Carolina University in the American Athletic Conference. During his three-year tenure (2023–2025), he led ECU to its first-ever conference championship and NCAA tournament appearance in the program’s 30-year history.

I share this as a case study in professionalism because I’ve had the opportunity to officiate Higgins throughout every stage of his career. Our professional paths have crossed time and time again, reminding me that we as referees are entrusted with the careers of coaches and players alike. College soccer has evolved into a highly competitive and professional environment. Officiating should no longer be viewed as a part-time role, but as a professional commitment. Today’s game expects more. As we enter a new season, my hope is that each of us adopts a renewed mindset—one that recognizes the growing professionalism in college soccer and meets it with the same level of preparation, purpose and pride.

Good luck to you all this season.