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 October 2026 Referee of the Month is Muhammad Tariq.
Questions & Answers:
Q: Current Referee Level & Highest level attained:
A: District referee.
Q: When did you begin, and what motivated you to start refereeing?
A: I began my refereeing journey in October 2024, motivated by my passion for soccer and my desire to contribute to the game in a different capacity. I wanted to challenge myself, develop new skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the game from a referee’s perspective. Refereeing has given me the opportunity to stay involved in soccer while learning valuable lessons in leadership, decision-making, communication, and teamwork. Since starting, I have enjoyed every opportunity to improve and grow as a referee.
Q: What has been your most enjoyable game/memory of your referee career?
A: Some of my most enjoyable memories have been during the Fall Indoor Season 2025–2026 and the Airdrie Summit Cup 2026. These experiences provided great opportunities to officiate competitive games, work alongside fellow referees, and challenge myself in different match situations. I particularly enjoy the energy, teamwork, and atmosphere that come with these events. Being recognized as Referee of the Month makes these experiences even more meaningful and motivates me to continue improving.
Q: What do you love most about refereeing?
A: What I love most about refereeing is being part of the game and helping create a fair, safe, and enjoyable environment for players. Every match presents a new challenge and an opportunity to make a positive impact through good decision-making, communication, and teamwork. I also appreciate the respect and relationships built with fellow referees, coaches, and players along the way. Refereeing has helped me develop confidence, patience, and leadership skills that I can apply both on and off the field.
Q: What advice would you give to somebody just starting out refereeing?
A: My advice to anyone starting their refereeing journey is to be confident, stay open to learning, and never be afraid to make mistakes because they are part of the development process. Take every game as an opportunity to improve, listen to feedback from experienced referees, and always maintain a positive attitude. Focus on understanding the Laws of the Game, communicating effectively, and treating players and coaches with respect. Most importantly, enjoy the experience, stay committed, and remember that every experienced referee started as a beginner.
Q: What do you do outside of refereeing and what are some of your interests?
A: Outside of refereeing, I have been serving as a military reserve since 2022, an experience that has strengthened my leadership, discipline, teamwork, and decision-making skills. I enjoy spending quality time with my family, staying active, and participating in sports and fitness activities. My military service and refereeing share many common values, including responsibility, integrity, respect, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. I believe these experiences complement each other and have helped me grow both personally and as a referee. Soccer continues to be a passion of mine, and refereeing provides a rewarding opportunity to stay connected to the game while contributing to the soccer community.
Muhammad Tariq in uniform as a military reserve.