Business Insider talked to a former FIFA World Cup assistant referee about what it takes to be part of an officiating crew in the international soccer tournament. Sean Hurd worked as an assistant referee in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil on a crew led by Mark Geiger.

They talked to Hurd about his path to the World Cup, what it’s like communicating with international players; his intense fitness regimen; how much World Cup referees get paid; and what it’s like being in the middle of the world’s biggest stage for soccer.