John participated in many sports: baseball, softball, track and field, football, basketball and wrestling when he was young. He has coached wrestling, basketball, softball and soccer (club, travel and high school) (carrying a D license).  As a player and coach he gave deference to the officials.

He began refereeing in 1992 and reached Grade 7 in 1995.  Contrary to the general consensus he does have a whistle and he does carry red and yellow cards during matches which he knows how to use.  He prefers to let players play and steps in to rectify actions taken to prevent game flow.