Join The Referee Advocates Team!
Be a Leader. Build Confidence. Change the Game.
Thanks for your interest in becoming a Cohort Lead!
About the Role
Cohort Leads serve as mentors and guides for groups of 10–12 referees, helping them navigate their growth and development throughout the season. You’ll work directly with TRA leadership and local clubs to provide both virtual and on-field support to referees, ensuring they feel prepared, valued, and part of a connected community.
Position
Cohort Lead (Referee Advocate)
Job Classification
Contractor
Compensation
Stipend based on experience
Start Date
February 15, 2026
Application Deadline
December 15, 2025
Key Responsibilities
Lead a cohort of 10–12 referees through ongoing mentorship and support.
Commitment to 2–5 hours per week during the season (virtual and in-person).
Observe referees on the field and provide developmental feedback.
Facilitate check-ins, communication, and progress tracking via TRA’s digital tools.
Collaborate with the TRA team to align referee development goals.
Reinforce TRA’s mission of professionalism, confidence, and respect on game day.
Qualifications
Current USSF-certified referee in good standing (minimum of 3 years of experience preferred).
Strong understanding of the Laws of the Game, match management, and referee professionalism.
Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, or coaching experience (formal or informal).
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to connect with youth and adult referees alike.
Comfortable using virtual communication tools (Zoom, Assignr, Google Drive, etc.).
Commitment to TRA’s philosophy of development, respect, and advocacy.
Application Process
Apply Online
Complete the Cohort Lead Application Form (link provided below).
Deadline to apply: December 15, 2025.
Interview
Selected candidates will be invited to a virtual interview (December–January).
Reference Check
Provide one professional or referee-related reference.
Orientation & Training
Attend virtual onboarding in January 2026 to prepare for a February 15, 2026 start.
the tra fast track team
The Cohort curriculum is developed by a team of expert referees, including nationally certified officials and educators, whose experience spans all levels of the game. Content design is guided by a focus group of grassroots referees, ensuring that every element of the program remains both aligned with U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) standards and grounded in the real, current needs of working referees. This dual approach allows the curriculum to balance technical excellence with practical relevance, supporting the development of referees from the grassroots level to the elite pathway.
daneen goncalves
TRA Chief Visionary Officer
Daneen has been deeply rooted in Minnesota youth soccer for over three decades as a goalkeeper at the elite and collegiate levels, then as a coach, referee, and assignor. For more than 15 years, she has focused on referee development, with the past decade dedicated to transforming how referees are supported, trained, and valued. As the founder and leader of The Referee Advocates (TRA), Daneen is a recognized voice in referee development and community building, sharing her expertise through US Youth Soccer symposiums, national working groups, and the Refs Need Love Too podcast. With a professional background in education and leadership, she is passionate about empowering individuals to reach their potential and strengthen the culture of officiating.
Curriculum Lead
Paula brings over three decades of experience in U.S. Soccer referee development, leadership, and education. A former National Referee and current National Referee Coach, her career spans from grassroots to the professional game, with assignments across leagues such as the PDL, A-League, W-League, and D3 PRO, as well as national team friendlies. Off the field, Paula has served as Minnesota’s State Referee Administrator, a State Instructor and Assessor, and a U.S. Soccer National Referee Committee member (2016–2024). Honored with multiple awards, including Minnesota Amateur Referee of the Year and induction into both the MN NISOA and USASA Halls of Fame, Paula remains a passionate advocate for referee education, mentorship, and community, aligning naturally with TRA’s mission to elevate and sustain the culture of officiating.
Paula Hildman
ben gutierrez
Curriculum Lead
Ben brings over 40 years of experience across all facets of the game as a player, coach, referee, parent, instructor, and mentor. A lifelong advocate for growth and service, he continues his journey toward USSF Referee Coach certification while leading referee mentoring programs that support officials at every stage of development. His philosophy centers on teaching life skills through soccer, helping referees build confidence, communication, and composure that extend beyond the field. Though he now spends less time actively officiating, Ben remains deeply involved in mentorship and education, traveling nationally to support referees in their pursuit of excellence and embodying TRA’s mission to elevate, connect, and sustain the referee community.
Want to learn more about the referee advocates?
2150 3rd Street
Suite 16
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
2150 3rd Street
Suite 16
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
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+1-612-405-6737
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Friday: 9AM to 3PM
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