Andrew Barnes of Baton Rouge, La., is one of nine American FIFA refs in MLS’s Referee Pool. He is the focus of this edition of Socceramerica.comÆs series, ôView from the Middle.ö INTERVIEW BY BRYAN ALVAREZ SOCCER AMERICA: What makes refereeing worthwhile for you? ANDREW BARNES: Each game poses a challenge to get all the calls right. Along with officiating the game, the people we meet and work with become friends we will have long after our officiating career is over. SA: What’s been your most embarrassing moment? AB: Back-peddling to midfield for a goal kick and falling right on my butt during a match at youth regionals. SA: During your playing days, were you ever red-carded? AB: A couple times. The last time was, when I was playing in our local men’s league, by Bob Wertz, the former USSF referee chairman. After that playing took a backseat to refereeing. SA: What is the toughest call in soccer? AB: Any call when you don’t have a clear view of what is happening. It could be caused by players screening you or the angle you are looking at is wrong. SA: What could be done to make the officials jobs easier? AB: I’m not sure anything. Part of being an official is the scrutiny and that decisions are “in the opinion of.” I believe this is what makes soccer so unique. SA: Is there such a thing as a “make-up” call? AB: Consiously I don’t think there is such a call. SA: So how has this term come into use? AB: Once a missed call has happened then the fans are looking for a call to label ” make-up.” SA: What rule change would you like to see? AB: No new rules. SA: What’s the worst thing about being a referee? AB: Without a doubt time away from your family. SA: How important is playing experience to being a good ref? AB: It is not a have-to but it has definitely helped me. The players can sense if you have played and it gives you a little more creditability along with a better feel for what is happening on the field.