GNAC SPORTS - Officiating is as integral to collegiate athletics as the student-athletes who compete and coaches who mentor.
Throughout the 2026-27 academic year, the Great Northwest Athletic Conference extends a sincere thank you to its officials across all sports, recognizing them throughout the NCAA's Officials Appreciation Weeks.
Name: Kyle Greenwood
Sport Officiating: Soccer
Current Levels of Officiating: College
Years Officiating: 21
What first inspired you to become an official?
My father and I got certified together as we noticed games needed referees while I was playing and he was coaching. We got the opportunities to work together and give back to the sport we both love. Supporting others has always been our driving force in making everyone have the same opportunities we were grateful to create.
Who helped mentor or support you as you were learning to officiate?
My father along with working with as many different people as possible. Always challenging myself to work with others with different skills has allowed me to always be in a state of growing, improving, absorbing, and learning from others. Having a strong support network around me as well has allowed me to rewatch moments with different perspectives so I can continue providing a better experience for those I get the privilege to referee for. Always looking to improve comes from seeking out those people that will help support me.
What barriers or challenges did you face when you started officiating, and what helped you overcome them?
I started to get burned out from doing too many matches because the need was so great. Taking a step back from doing so many games so I can do a better job on them helped me most to overcome that time of struggle.
What do you enjoy most about officiating?
It is such a privilege getting the best view of players making some of their fondest memories they will create in their lives. They are battling, overcoming, and working together towards a collective goal of performing at their absolute max. I feel honored to get to be a part of that time in their lives and it is a healthy pressure to ensure they all have as positive of an experience as possible.
How has officiating helped you stay connected to the sport?
I loved playing and coaching from the time I was five years old. I remember being the goalkeeper and winning our regional championship in North California through penalty kicks and I want those feelings to be felt by others. Being a referee gives challenges in fitness, balancing of emotions, and fostering opportunities to create amazing goals. Soccer is such a wonderful sport and I hope to continue to be a part of everyone enjoying what I have had the privilege of being a part of.
What is one myth or misconception about officiating that you would like to dispel?
There is no inherent bias towards one team or the other. We do not create the laws of the game but are tasked with learning them, their unique interpretations, and being up to date with the latest changes more so than the players.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering becoming an official?
The community, the challenge, the opportunities, and the game itself are all reasons to be a part of creating lasting memories you will treasure forever.
What support, training or encouragement would help more people—especially younger individuals—enter and stay in officiating?
Being a referee can at times be isolating. You do a game by yourself or a group of people you barely or don't know. You may receive verbal abuse, disrespect, or other negative interactions, but those of us in the sport want to support you. The clubs, the coaches, players, and your fellow referees all want you to succeed. Do not feel or be alone as we all want to connect with you to ensure you have all of the tools you need to succeed.
How can coaches, administrators, student-athletes and spectators help create a more respectful game environment for officials?
I watch every match that is filmed and am constantly trying to learn from any mistakes I may make. We as referees don't like missing calls or making those errors. Letting me know you disagree with a call is sufficient as I will already be reflecting on it. Continuing to hurl abuse because of a perceived notion that someone is out to ruin your experience degrades the sport we all love to watch and play. Being objective where you as a fan do not agree but do have an understanding on what was called, is a good first step into ensuring we have referees not only continue to reflect but not quit and we them have to train up or recruit another person who will take time to be ready to step up for those big matches.
What would you say to someone who loves sports but has never considered officiating as a way to give back, stay active, earn income and remain part of the game?
Being a referee is where I have been able to have a healthy personal lifestyle through consistent fitness, mentally challenging myself, fostering a supportive atmosphere of friends, and having to learn new ways of approaching the game so as to better service the game.
What is your favorite sports-related memory or moment?
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