He began refereeing in 1973, starting in the high school leagues. He joined the US Soccer Federation referee programme in 1975, and moved up to the North American Soccer League. He was awarded his FIFA badge on 1 January 1988.
In 1973, he began umpiring in local high schools. Two years later, he joined the US Soccer Federation's referee academy and eventually worked his way up to the top-tier North American Soccer League. On January 1, 1988, he earned his international officiating credentials.