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Come Fan with UsFriday, June 19, 2026

Ludicrously athletic soccer ref does splits mid-game so ball won’t hit him

James Dator
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.

One quick-thinking referee in Iowa ensured that the game would go on — no matter what.

In an effort not to interfere with a youth soccer game, the ref quickly did the splits when the ball was approaching him. It’s the kind of move pulled out of a bag so quickly that he was definitely practicing this move in front of a mirror.

Zero shade being thrown from our end. This is downright incredible. Anyone being able to do the splits feels like some sort of magic trick, but being able to pull it off under pressure with a soccer ball headed towards you? Next level.

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