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League1 Alberta match officials share what life is like away from the field, and advice they would give up-and-coming referees.

While the focus during the 2025 season was on the players and clubs, and their results on the field, the League1 Alberta match officials were also developing their game, hitting milestones, and moving up the performance pathway.

Read from 2025 match officials Adam Benani, Daniel Billiat, Michelle Holmes, Amaya Myhovich, and Xerxes Ng as they discuss three important foundations to their roles – life between matches, preparing for a game, and useful advice to rise through the ranks.

Life between matches

Michelle Holmes: My life between games is about staying active all the time, whether that is a recovery walk, rollerblading, or running with my dog. I also have learned to relax more in between games and take some days off, as we do have a hectic schedule.

Xerxes Ng: In between games, I spend time resting to recover from the game, and spend time maintaining my fitness through different exercises.

Amaya Myhovich: Between games, I like to keep a balance between fitness, learning, and relaxation. I spend time at the gym to stay strong and mobile, I enjoy reading to keep my mind sharp, and I find time with animals helps me reset and recharge.

Daniel Billiat: Between games, life as a match official is about staying balanced. I focus on maintaining fitness, reviewing recent match clips or assessor feedback, and staying updated on the Laws of the Game. I also make time for my personal commitments, which helps keep me refreshed and focused.

Preparing for a match

Amaya Myhovich: Leading up to a match, I make sure I get enough rest and proper nutrition so that I can bring the energy, focus, and professionalism that every game deserves.

Daniel Billiat: When preparing for an upcoming fixture, I plan my week so I’m physically and mentally ready. That includes proper rest, nutrition, and a light fitness routine. I also review the competition level and any notes from previous matches, and I visualize different game scenarios so I’m ready to handle them on the day.

Xerxes Ng: I prepare for an upcoming fixture by asking my colleagues about recent games they’ve had involving the teams and looking at some film.

Adam Benani: Between games I spend my time reviewing my footage from my last game, going to the gym or fitness training every day, as well as watching other referees and other leagues. We also do education sessions a few times a month and quizzes.

Advice for an aspiring match official

Xerxes Ng: Keep learning and keep improving. There will always be areas of improvement after every game you do, and it is important that you take these forward. Making sure that you are familiar with the Laws of the Game, attending various education sessions, and talking to different officials with different experiences – because you can always take something from others.

Amaya Myhovich: The advice I would give to an aspiring match official is to embrace every opportunity, no matter how small it might seem at the time. I’d also encourage new referees to enjoy the game. Soccer has given me so much, and refereeing is another way to stay connected to it. Finally, take care of yourself on and off the field. Your body and mind are just as important as your whistle and flags when it comes to performing at your best.

Adam Benani: It can be a difficult journey at times but there is no more rewarding feeling than performing well in a difficult game with high pressure.

Daniel Billiat: Focus on learning and enjoying the journey rather than worrying about perfection. Every match is a chance to improve, so seek feedback and use it to grow. Stay fit, stay confident, and enjoy the opportunities refereeing can bring.