What It Takes

This course is built specifically for sports officials who want to elevate their performance by mastering the soft skills that separate good officials from great ones. 

You’ll learn how to:

• Build mental resilience for tough calls and tougher crowds 
• Communicate with clarity, control, and confidence 
• Stay sharp and composed under pressure 
• Find more fulfillment and longevity in your officiating journey 
• Improve your chances of recognition and advancement 

It’s not just about staying in the game—it’s about owning it. 

Veteran soccer official Karen Swanner has nearly 40 years of officiating experience at all levels. Beginning as an ice hockey referee, Swanner has also officiated softball, baseball and basketball, but made a career as a soccer official. A former USSF National and 18-year NCAA National Referee, she has officiated in eight NCAA Division I Championships, and was named to finals in Division II, NAIA and Junior College. A pioneer for women in the officiating world, she was one of the first females to referee men’s professional indoor soccer in the 1990’s and continued in the indoor game through 2018. Swanner has also officiated men’s and women’s professional outdoor soccer and international friendlies including France and Mexico.

She has Master’s Degrees in Sports Psychology & Exercise Science; Journalism and Marketing. A mentor, assessor, assignor, instructor, lecturer and researcher, she has also taught courses in communication, self-confidence, stress management and non-verbal communication, and is a member of the Association of Applied Sports Psychologists.