Life is full of challenges and being a referee is a perfect way to learn how to meet them head-on and know that you can handle them. Soccer is an emotional game. Players get excited. Fans get excited. Coaches get excited. Learning how to cope with their emotions while keeping yours in check will serve you well throughout your life. Other challenges are pushing yourself to learn more, run longer and faster, and work better with your partners. As the referee, you are in charge and your decision is final. However, that does not mean you are not responsible for your actions and that you are all-powerful. A referee who officiates because of the power usually does not last long. Players, coaches, fans, and fellow officials sense this power hunger and soon want to avoid you.