Referee of the Month: Caeden Kinvig

The CDSRA Referee of the Month features referees of different ages, levels, and backgrounds to reflect the diversity in our referee community and our association. Our September 2026 Referee of the Month is Caeden Kinvig.

Questions & Answers:

Q: Current Referee Level & Highest level attained:
A: District

Q: When did you begin, and what motivated you to start refereeing?
A: I started refereeing by doing AR for school games when I was around 12 years old. I have always loved soccer, having played since I was three, so refereeing was a way for me to stay involved in the game from a different perspective. As I gained more experience, I became more interested in developing my skills and eventually started taking on more refereeing opportunities. Over the years, I’ve really grown to enjoy the challenges that come with refereeing and seeing how far I can take it.

Q: What has been your most enjoyable game/memory of your referee career?
A:‍ ‍My favourite game so far was an APL exhibition game in Red Deer. It was a really exciting experience because it gave me the opportunity to referee at a higher level and challenge myself against a faster and more competitive style of play. I really enjoyed being part of the game, working with the referee crew, and seeing how I could apply everything I have learned to a higher-level match. It was a game that gave me a lot of confidence and motivated me to continue pushing myself as a referee.

Q: What do you love most about refereeing? 
A: What I love most about refereeing is the challenge of constantly improving. Every game is different, and every situation is different. I enjoy creating a positive experience for the players and coaches, while also continuing to learn and develop as a referee. I also really enjoy helping referees who are just starting out and sharing some of the things I have learned along the way.

Q: What advice would you give to somebody just starting out refereeing? 
A: My biggest piece of advice would be to learn from every game and never be afraid to ask questions. There is always something new to learn, and some of the best learning opportunities come from talking to referees and other people around you who have more experience. I would also encourage new referees to make connections with the people around them, because building relationships within the referee community can open up new opportunities and help you continue developing. Most importantly, enjoy the experience, learn from your mistakes, and keep pushing yourself to improve. 

Q: What do you do outside of refereeing and what are some of your interests?
A: Outside of refereeing, I have been coaching for two years, which has become another big part of my involvement in soccer. I really enjoy working with younger players and helping them develop their skills and confidence. I like pushing my players to be the best they can be, both on and off the field, while also making sure they enjoy the game and have fun. Coaching has also helped me develop my leadership and communication skills. I also enjoy spending time with friends and family.