Matthew Nemeth of Penn State: Academics and Sports

DENVER, CO, March 12, 2014 (Press-News.org) As a high school student Matthew Nemeth of Penn State played varsity soccer, and the 21-year-old senior recalls it as one of the best times of his life. "To be honest," he acknowledges, "when I reflect on my time in high school, the one thing that sticks out to me most was my time spent on the soccer team."

As an undergraduate, Matthew Nemeth of Penn State joined the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and the Penn State Real Estate Club. He has also formed two student organizations and served on both in an administrative capacity. But school comes first, and this highly motivated young man will earn his Bachelor of Science degree in 2014. "I wanted to focus as much on my studies as I could," Matthew Nemeth of Penn State admits.

But not having soccer in his life would leave an undeniable void, and he didn't think he could bear that. "It's not that I've stopped loving the sport - nothing could be further from the truth," he says. So how has Matthew Nemeth of Penn State managed to keep close to the game he loves? "I've turned to officiating the sport, and I couldn't be happier!"

Being a soccer referee is a major time commitment, though not nearly as time consuming as being on a team. There is a lot of responsibility involved. Even seemingly minor details are important. Referees must inspect the field before the game begins. Once the game begins, of course, they must interpret all rules correctly.

Becoming a certified soccer referee is a lot of work. Matthew Nemeth of Penn State has some advice for anyone interested in becoming a soccer ref. To earn certification, would-be referees must attend entry-level training clinics, which Matthew Nemeth of Penn State says usually last all day. Afterward there is a certification test, which is based on international soccer rules and regulations. "Don't worry over much about the test," Matthew Nemeth of Penn State says. "If you simply do your homework and make sure that you study the rulebook - which isn't too thick - you'll do absolutely fine on the test itself."

There are different levels of soccer referees, says Matthew Nemeth of Penn State, beginning with Level 9. After one year, those who want to advance can go for their Level 8 certification, which requires additional study - what are known as bridge classes. But for Matthew Nemeth of Penn State it has absolutely been worth it. "Becoming a referee is very rewarding for those who love the game of soccer," he says. "Especially for those of us who can no longer dedicate six days a week of our time to play the sport. It's easy to stay in shape to be a referee, and then you can pass your knowledge and love of the sport onto others. Not to mention, you get paid!"

About: Matthew Nemeth of Penn State is a lifelong soccer fan who also advocates for Parkinson's disease.