U.S. Soccer Refereeing Launches Distinguished Service Initiative
New program honors leadership, mentorship, and lifelong contribution to referee development in the United States.
Atlanta, GA. - U.S. Soccer Refereeing is launching a new distinguished service initiative designed to honor former National Referee Coaches whose leadership, mentorship, and commitment helped shape referee development across the United States.
For decades, National Referee Coaches have played a critical role in developing referees, mentoring future leaders, and strengthening the game at every level. While U.S. Soccer Refereeing has not historically had a formal way to recognize distinguished service at this level, this initiative represents an important step toward honoring those contributions while preserving the connection between the referee community and many of its most experienced leaders.
The initiative is also designed to create a respected pathway for National Referee Coaches who are preparing to step away from active national service, have recently retired from the national level, or previously provided extraordinary service to the federation. Rather than simply leaving the pathway, these leaders are encouraged to remain involved locally as mentors, educators, and ambassadors for the game. The goal is not only to recognize service, but to keep some of the game’s most experienced leaders connected to refereeing and actively giving back within their communities.
“This recognition is about honoring people who helped build refereeing in this country,” said U.S. Soccer Vice President of Refereeing Kari Seitz. “Their impact goes far beyond matches or events. They developed referees, mentored future leaders, and strengthened the game through years of service. We also want to ensure there is a meaningful pathway for these leaders to remain connected to refereeing and continue supporting the game locally.”
Herb Silva, David McKee, and Don Wilbur will serve as the inaugural members of the National Referee Coach Honor Society, helping establish the standard and prestige this recognition is intended to represent.
Eligibility for the program includes National Referee Coaches in good standing who are transitioning away from national service, recently retired within the last two years, or individuals whose extraordinary service made a lasting impact on referee development in the United States. Consideration is not automatic and requires a formal application process, including recommendations reflecting the individual’s leadership, mentorship, professionalism, and continued service to the referee community.
Launching with the 2027 registration cycle, the initiative reflects U.S. Soccer Refereeing’s continued commitment to honoring distinguished service, preserving institutional knowledge, and strengthening the future of referee development in the United States.
Read the program guidelines for more details and to see if you are eligible.