Recognizing the good in the game

Good sports make better sport.

Good Sport Society is a nonprofit organization empowering youth sports officials to be the difference makers in restoring respect to the game.

Learn About Our Mission Explore the Positive Referee Coalition

Why we exist

90%

of referees report abuse has increased in the last 5 years

60%

of referees do not recertify due to harassment

50,000+

officials have left youth sports since 2019

The whistle is going silent.

Youth sports officials are walking away from the game in record numbers. Verbal abuse from parents, coaches, and players has created a referee shortage that is canceling games, reducing opportunities for young athletes, and damaging the culture of youth sports at every level. Good Sport Society exists to change that — not through punishment and policy alone, but through positive recognition and cultural change from the inside out.

How We Create Change

Step 1

Recognize Good Sports

We give referees and organizations the tools to identify and celebrate genuine moments of sportsmanship in real time.

Step 2

Inspire Good Sports

Recognition creates identity. When players, coaches, and parents are celebrated as Good Sports, they aspire to that standard.

Step 3

Build Better Sport

A culture of recognition and respect transforms the youth sports experience for everyone — players, coaches, parents, and officials alike.

“Good sports make better sport.”

Our Programs

Tools that change the culture

Positive Referee Coalition

Our flagship program empowers youth soccer referees with the philosophy and tools of the Art of Positive Refereeing — a practice centered on open communication, proactive sportsmanship recognition, and building respect from the whistle up.

Free e-book: The Positive Referee Principles
Positive Referee Certification Course
Video content and podcast
Community of practice for referees

Visit the Positive Referee Coalition →

The Soccer Green Card

The Soccer Green Card is a tangible recognition tool that puts the power of positive reinforcement in the hands of referees. Issued during matches to players, coaches, or spectators who demonstrate exceptional sportsmanship, the Green Card creates a visible, real-time celebration of the behavior we want to see more of in youth sports.

Referee-issued positive recognition
Real-time sportsmanship celebration
Complements US Soccer's #RespectTheCall campaign
Available for youth leagues and pilot programs

Learn About Pilot Programs

About Good Sport Society

Good Sport Society is a Florida-based nonprofit organization in formation, built on the foundation of the Positive Referee Coalition — a community started by Richard and Will Bradwell to transform the culture of youth soccer through the Art of Positive Refereeing.

We are currently establishing our 501(c⁠)(3) nonprofit status and actively seeking youth soccer organizations interested in partnering on pilot programs for the 2026–2027 season. Our goal is to demonstrate measurable impact in referee retention, sportsmanship recognition, and reduction of referee abuse before expanding nationally.

Good Sport Society is powered by the belief that empowering officials — not just protecting them — is the key to lasting cultural change in youth athletics.

Good Sport Society, Inc. is currently in the process of obtaining 501(c⁠)(3) tax-exempt status. Donations are not yet tax-deductible.

The Team

The people behind the movement

Richard Bradwell

Co-Founder & Director of Education

Youth soccer referee and AYSO administrator for over 20 years. Co-creator of the Soccer Green Card and originator of the Art of Positive Refereeing philosophy. Richard brings decades of on-field experience and a lifelong passion for making youth sports better for everyone.

Will Bradwell

Founder & Executive Director

Lifelong soccer player and advocate for the youth sports experience. Will founded the Positive Referee Coalition and Good Sport Society to scale his father's philosophy into a national movement that empowers referees and restores respect to the beautiful game.

Your Name Here

Board & Advisory Positions Open

We are actively forming our founding board of directors and advisory council. If you are passionate about youth sports, referee development, sportsmanship education, or nonprofit leadership, we want to hear from you.

Express Interest

Get Involved

Every good sport starts with someone willing to step forward.

Youth Organizations

Partner on a Pilot

Is your youth soccer league, club, or referee association interested in implementing the Soccer Green Card and Positive Referee program? We are actively seeking pilot partners for the upcoming season.

Inquire About Partnering

Referees

Join the Coalition

Are you a youth soccer referee looking for community, training, and tools to transform your experience on the field? Visit the Positive Referee Coalition to get certified and get your free starter resources.

Visit PositiveReferee.org

Supporters

Support the Mission

Good Sport Society is building toward 501(c⁠)(3) status. If you believe in restoring respect to youth athletics, follow our journey and be the first to know when you can support us officially.

Follow Our Journey