Another FIFA badge comes to Kansas this year! Joining Kyle Atkins (Assistant Referee & Video Match Official) on the FIFA Panel in 2024 is #KansasReferee Jon Freemon. The entire Kansas Referee Community is immensely proud of Jon’s body of work that has earned him such an elite title. It is safe to say that doors continue to open for Jon not just because of the caliber of referee he has become, but largely because of how great a person he is.

Success in officiating has been a theme for Freemon especially in the MLS over the last few years. He has not been a full time MLS referee for long and has already nabbed postseason assignments on the field as well as the referee appointment for the 2023 US Open Cup Final. The league seems to have recognized this excellence as Jon was nominated for the title “MLS Referee of the Year” in 2023.

We connected with Jon’s close friend, #KansasReferee and FIFA Assistant Referee, Kyle Atkins to get his take on this impressive appointment. Kyle said, “Jon is so deserving of this incredible honor, and I couldn’t be more proud of him. The entire soccer community in Kansas should be thrilled to have such an incredible ambassador for our state. I’m so excited to see what the future has in store for him on the international stage!”

Jon would be the first to say that the journey to the top is a wild one. To hear more of his perspective, we took some time to chat with Jon about his referee path and what this achievement means to him. Check it out below.

KRDP: What year did you start officiating and why did you become an official?

JF: 2002 was my first year (13 years old). A parent on the baseball team I was on decided that it would be a good idea for the boys to find some work. We collectively decided that refereeing was the right job. So we all got certified. 

KRDP: What lessons have you learned through refereeing? 

JF: Which ones to pick? I’d say control what you can control; everything else is up to someone else. #2, keep going. Nothing is easy. If you’re having a hard time, whatever you are trying to accomplish is probably worth the effort. 

KRDP: If you could summarize your journey as a referee to this point, how would you describe it? 

JF: This is the only roller coaster I’ve ridden willingly. There have been so many ups and downs. 

KRDP: What advice would you give an official who is looking to earn a FIFA badge one day? 

JF: 2 parts: 1. Focus on the small skills that’ll help you become a better referee/person: personality, how you treat others, respect, player management. 2. Always work hard. If it’s between choosing you and another contender, you don’t want to miss out because you were outworked. 

KRDP: This badge has a lot of hard work, sacrifice and all sorts of both good and bad moments behind it, what does this appointment to the FIFA panel mean to you? 

JF: It’s an incredible accomplishment when you realize how many names are on that list, not many. It’s a huge honor not only for me, but for my family, my friends, the city I represent, and everyone who put a little energy into my life along the way. This badge represents a collective effort from all those I just listed. 

Once again, congratulations Jon! We’re all immensely proud of you and are excited to see you perform at the international stage!