The World Cup is in full swing, having brought excitement to fans everywhere as some of the most talented players from around the globe compete for a title. But equally exciting to me is what's happening to those wearing a different kind of jersey. Yes,
the referees (aka the unsung heroes of sports), and more specifically the women officials, are making major history.
On June 18, an all-American, all woman referee trio took to the pitch for the first time to officiate the Group A match between South Africa and Czechia, including Tori Penso, Brooke Mayo and Kathyrn Nesbitt.
Penso, who became the first American woman selected as a lead referee in a men's World Cup, has always had her sights set on this moment. "I always knew my ultimate professional goal was to officiate at the FIFA Men's World Cup. I have always been committed to paving the path for the next generation," Penso tells Popsugar in a recent interview. And as she steps onto that pitch, she carries the weight of that commitment with her. "Female officials are capable, whether that be physically or mentally or technically. I'm proud of what we've been able to accomplish so far and there's still so much for us to do," she says.
"As a female official myself, we know we belong. Female referees have been officiating top men's leagues for the past twenty years, but we need more opportunities to show our capabilities at the biggest matches."
Officiating in soccer, like many other sports, has been slow in the inclusion of women. Though strides have been made, there is still a long way to go. That said, the magnitude of the World Cup seems like the perfect stage to take that next step. And women referees are ready and eager to be included.
"As a female official myself, we know we belong. Female referees have been officiating top men's leagues for the past twenty years, but we need more opportunities to show our capabilities at the biggest matches," says Kristin Patterson, an assistant referee for the Professional Referee Association who has been officiating for over fifteen years.
"It's getting there, and I think after this World Cup, you'll see a push to have more women represented at World Cups, Champions League, and International Friendlies."
Kristy Rowe, a referee based in Alhambra, CA for the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), has watched some of these changes unfold firsthand. "Being a female in a male-dominated space such as reffing has only shown me how much further we have to go for equality," she tells Popsugar. "Coaches and players, male or female, have a predisposed dislike for female refs. And I know I'm not alone in this thought. In the beginning I thought I was being paranoid, but as I shared my experiences, I learned this was a shared experience and opinion." As a result, organizations such as the Women's Referee & Coach Alliancehave been formed to support referees in sharing their experiences and in making meaningful changes on the field."
And to anyone questioning the caliber of the women selected to officiate, Patterson has a few words: "These are the best referees in the world. I've worked with some of the American referees selected and they are so good! FIFA puts all the referees through a grueling two-year evaluation period and watching them, you will see why they are the best."
Rowe is hopeful that the World Cup visibility will squash any doubts about what women officials can or cannot do:. "I definitely think this new achievement is only going to grow the women's presence in soccer as a whole. I believe other women and girls will be inspired and find the courage to become officials themselves. Even on a less grand scale… it will still be awesome."
Quentin Brooks, an NCAA collegiate football referee, echoes a similar sentiment, putting it plain and simple: "Soccer is a sport enjoyed and played by men and women, so women officiating soccer matches seems like a given. When I see these women on the field, my thoughts will be, 'What took so long?'"
As the tournament takes over screens for the next month, I'm encouraging all of my friends, family, as well as all of the fans to take note of everyone on the soccer field — from the talented players to the refs breaking the glass ceiling. I'm so proud of these referees who, through their efforts, are inspiring young girls and women everywhere, while opening up important conversations about women in leadership – on and off the field. Sports mirror life, and with The World Cup being the most popular sporting event in the world, the presence of these female referees on the pitch are showing us in real time what is possible when dreaming big and hard work align.
Ralinda Watts is an author, diversity expert, consultant, practitioner, speaker, and proven thought leader who works at the intersection of race, identity, culture, and justice. She has contributed to numerous publications such as PS, CBS Media, Medium, YahooLifestyle, and the Los Angeles Times.
