By Lizzy Snell
Media Intern
Brazilian referee, Ramon Rodrigues laughed when asked about the heat on a sunny and steamy Tuesday afternoon at the National Sports Center.
“It’s not hot for me because in Brazil this weather is normal,” he said. “Our winters have no snow, so for me it’s good, it’s very very nice.”
Rodrigues has been reffing games at Schwan’s USA CUP for thirteen years and has worked at the Brazilian National level for sixteen years.
“I prefer coming here than my national tournament because at USA CUP I meet a lot of people – referees from other cultures,” he said. “I learn [from them] and enjoy the tournament because it’s very fun. Everybody has respect [for others] and they have a good game.”
Rodrigues said he may retire when he turns 45 years old but until then he plans to keep reffing.
On average, Rodrigues said he works between 30 and 40 games during the ten days of the combined Schwan’s USA CUP Weekend and Week tournaments.
“There is more respect here by the fans and the players and everything,” Rodrigues said. “When you go to the fields in Brazil before you ref a game, everybody says bad words and don’t respect us. Here, it doesn’t matter who wins or loses, everybody cheers for you and shakes your hand.”
In 2001 Rodrigues won the Best Out of Country referee award for Schwan’s USA CUP.
Bill Roll, the National Sports Center referee coordinator said Rodrigues has been very loyal to the tournament.
“He often times arrives early and stays late to visit with the many friends he has made in Minnesota,” Roll said. “Ramon has been a great ambassador for the country of Brazil and the game of soccer.”
At an international tournament like Schwan’s USA CUP, with numerous international teams, Roll said it is very important to have equal representation amongst the referees.
“The international referees bring an added sense of camaraderie to the tournament,” he said. “The majority of our international referees stay in the on-site residence hall and spend the majority of their time off sharing stories and game experiences which one another. The international referees provide memorable moments for their fellow referees as well as the teams they officiate.”
Roll said athletes of all nationalities can benefit from having international referees call their games.
“International referees bring a different perspective to the game,” he said. “While the rules of soccer are universal, they do leave room for judgment calls which can be interpreted differently in different countries and styles of soccer. This can be a challenging yet rewarding experience for the players who have these officials on their matches.”
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