U.S. Soccer Launches Fernando G. Alvarez Referee Champion Award

CHICAGO (Nov. 20, 2024) – Continuing in its mission to foster the best playing environments and grow the number of referees nationally, U.S. Soccer has announced the inaugural Fernando G. Alvarez Referee Champion Award, presented in partnership with Official Sports International.

"The launch of the Fernando G. Alvarez Referee Champion Award marks an important step in recognizing the pivotal role referees play in shaping the game of soccer in the United States,” said Shari Summers, U.S. Soccer’s Chief Soccer Growth Officer. “This award is not just a tribute to an incredible legacy but a celebration of the dedication, leadership, and impact referees contribute to every match. We are thrilled to honor those who champion this critical part of the game and inspire the next generation of referees."

The new award is named after the late former FIFA Centennial Order of Merit winner who, along with championing refereeing on the local level, used his international influence, experience and persistence to help open the doors for success on the world stage for many of the USA’s top FIFA Referees, including National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee and 1998 FIFA World Cup Referee Esse Baharmast and four-time MLS Referee of the Year and 2002 FIFA World Cup Referee Brian Hall.

Recognizing that Refereeing is an essential part of the overall soccer community, the award’s establishment marks the first time that U.S. Soccer will widely recognize Refereeing on an annual basis. U.S. Soccer is also establishing Women’s and Men’s Referee of the Year awards, to be announced in alignment with the Federation’s annual Player of the Year awards next month.

"The Fernando G. Alvarez Award honors the legacy of Mr. Alvarez, who selflessly devoted his time, wisdom, and passion to the U.S. Soccer Referee Program,” said Kari Seitz, U.S. Soccer’s Vice President of Refereeing. “His unwavering dedication set a standard of excellence, inspiring others to follow his example. This award recognizes the profound impact of such commitment to refereeing and celebrates those who embody those values.”

Nominated individuals or groups must meet the following criteria at a local and/or national level:

• Regularly goes above and beyond to champion the role of referees and the refereeing program through their work, actions, words, and devotion.
• Is an ambassador for the refereeing community and always represents referees positively.
• Brings a positive light to the referee community at any level (grassroots to professional) through their actions or ideas.
• Demonstrates an optimistic attitude and encourages others despite any personal challenges.
• Brings invaluable support to the referee community (does not have to be an on-field official).
• Has shown the highest degree of integrity and ethics.
• Sets an example for others to emulate.
• Consistently exhibits the qualities of a referee "champion” in their referee community, including passion, leadership, respect, resilience, confidence, determination, dedication, and empathy.

Nominations for the inaugural award are open and can be submitted HERE, with the nomination window closing on Friday, December 20 at 4 p.m. ET. Award winners will be recognized on a yearly basis at U.S. Soccer’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), beginning with the 2025 AGM set for March 1, 2025 in Atlanta.

ABOUT FERNANDO G. ALVAREZ

A former player for the Philippine National Team, Alvarez made his biggest impact on the game through refereeing. Earning his appointment to the FIFA International Panel in 1958, Alvarez officiated 32 international matches from 1959-1973. After retiring from FIFA referee duty, he continued his work as a member of the FIFA Referees Committee from 1980-1992 and was also a member of the FIFA International Board and FIFA Technical Committee. He also continued to serve locally, working with the Asian Football Confederation in various capacities, and as General Secretary of the Philippine Football Federation from 1966-1984.

Having emigrated to San Francisco in 1990, Alvarez began impacting refereeing in the United States with his service on the U.S. Soccer Referees Committee from 1994-2005. During this time, he used his persistence and influence to champion U.S. Soccer Referee Esse Baharmast to an appointment at the 1996 Summer Olympics and 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, and continued to use his influence to help qualified American referees gain more high-profile tournament selections.

Alvarez’s mark on the game has been honored over the years. In 1999, he received the Eddie Pearson Memorial Award for Outstanding Service to the Referee Programs in the United States. He was further honored six years later when he received the FIFA Centennial Order of Merit. The highest honor given by the world governing body, the award recognizes individuals who have made major contributions in soccer, with Alvarez joining the likes of Franz Beckenbauer, Johan Cruyff, Pele, Jules Rimet, and Carlos Valderrama.