2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup: Margaret Domka

PROFILE

Meet referee Margaret Domka, who is officiating at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada >> refs.pro/MeetMD.

Country: United States of America
Date of Birth: 08/13/1979
Height: 178cm
Residence: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Occupation: High School Spanish teacher
Mother tongue: English
Other languages: Spanish
International since: FIFA Assistant Referee in 2007 / FIFA Referee since 2009
Personal goals: To reach my potential by performing at the best of my ability and bringing the energy and passion for the game to the field

Click here to see the full roster of FIFA officials selected for the Women’s World Cup

Source: FIFA

ASSIGNMENTS

06/17/2015

Group E
Korea Republic v Spain
Lansdowne Stadium, Ottawa
REF: Anna-Marie Keighley (NZL)
AR1: Sarah Walker (NZL)
AR2: Allyson Flynn (AUS)
4TH: MARGARET DOMKA (USA)

06/11/2015

Group B
Côte d’Ivoire v Thailand
Lansdowne Stadium, Ottawa
REF: MARGARET DOMKA (USA)
AR1: Princess Brown (JAM)
AR2: Elizabeth Aguilar (SLV)
4TH: Marilin Miranda (PAR)

PRE-TOURNAMENT INTERVIEW

Margaret Domka danced around her house when she was informed of the news she would be refereeing at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.

The FIFA official has had a long journey to reach the top of the game, but her hard work is set to be rewarded as she prepares to officiate at the showcase event in women’s football between June 6 and July 5.

It is quite an achievement for the 35-year-old, but her journey could have been very different. Domka admits that she nearly gave up refereeing in the early stages of her career and it was only the faith that her advisors showed in her which kept her in the game.

“I started officiating as a summer job while I was in high school,” she reflected to proreferees.com. “The main reason for refereeing was to earn some money while being able to set my own work schedule, and therefore continue playing soccer.

“I was very lucky to have some mentors that believed that I had a lot of potential and pushed me to continue. In the beginning, they really had to push. I didn’t have any desire to continue refereeing long-term.

“But now, as I head to the World Cup, FIFA, US Soccer, and PRO have provided me with great instruction.

“This has included a focus on technical, tactical, and fitness aspects of the game. I will continue studying all of the information I have been provided with and analyzing my own performances to fine-tune the things that still need adjustment. In order to perform well at an event like this it is also important to be in peak health.”

Assignment story: Margaret Domka selected to officiate at FIFA Women’s World Cup

This may be her first taste of the Women’s World Cup but it isn’t her first assignment on the international stage.

Domka refereed at the U20 Women’s World Cups in 2012 and 2014 and she believes her previous experience will help, alongside all the training and instruction she has received, come kick-off time in Canada.

“I started thinking about what an accomplishment it would be to become a FIFA referee and to eventually officiate in a World Cup. But, I never told anyone it was a goal I had because it seemed much too lofty to ever be achieved.

“Now that I have received this invitation, I am able to look back and realize what an exciting journey it has been.

“All of my prior officiating experiences will help me perform to my potential while I am in Canada. The U20 Women’s World Cup is a great opportunity to experience an international tournament that has many similarities with the Women’s World Cup. But, the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 will bring even more intensity, stronger and faster play, and a greater level of emotion.

“The experience will not be just like any other I’ve ever had. I am looking forward to bringing my best officiating to the premier soccer event in the world.”

Keep up to date with Margaret Domka and the Women’s World Cup by following @FIFAWWC and @PROreferees on Twitter. Join in the conversation using #FIFAWWC.