AWARDS
REFEREE AWARDS
Fernando G. Alvarez Referee Champion Award
This award honors past, present, and future champions of refereeing. The award is named after former FIFA Centennial Order of Merit winner, Fernando G. Alvarez, who played an influential role in bringing U.S. Soccer referees to the world stage. The award can be presented to an individual or a group, who must exemplify the dedication Mr. Alvarez showed to the community by representing referees positively across the soccer ecosystem, as well as demonstrate his integrity and optimistic attitude. The recipient does not have to be an on field official but must advocate for refereeing through their work and demeanor.

Recipient:
Don Wilbur
2025
Eddie Pearson Award
The award is presented to an individual from the referee community that displays the following:
- Distinguished contributions to the U.S. Soccer Federation Referee Program
- Involvement with the program has spanned at least 20 years
Each State Association, State Referee Committee, State Referee Administrator, or Eddie Pearson recipient may recommend a candidate based on the criteria listed above. Recommendations are submitted to the U.S. Soccer Refereeing Department where the criteria for each candidate will be reviewed by a selection panel comprised of previous Eddie Pearson Award winners. The final selections will be confirmed by the U.S. Soccer Referee Committee based on the recommendations of the selection panel.

Previous Recipients:
Kari Seitz
2025
Manny Ortiz Sr.
2024
Sandra Hunt
2021
Brian Hall
2020
Esfandiar "Esse" Baharmast
2019
Arturo Angeles
2016
Dilvo DiPlacido
2015
Holly Hollingsworth
2014
Jozsef Michna
2013
Toros Kibritjian
2011
Rodney Kenny
2010
Dave McKee
2008
Herb Silva
2006
Jim Allen
2004
Alfred Kleinaitis
2003
Robert Wertz
2002
Ed Bellion
2001
Peter Johnson
2000
Fernando Alvarez
1999
Michael Wuertz
1998
Richard Giebner
1997
Jack McCabe
1996
Thomas Webb
1995
Heinz Wolmerath
1994
Angelo Bratsis
1993
Robert Evans
1992
Keith Walker
1991
Don Philipson
1990
Robert Sumpter
1989
Harry Baldwin
1988
John Best
1987
Paul Avis
1983
Roger Schott
1982
Ray Morgan
1981
Don Byron
1980
Pat Smith
1979
William Scofield Award
The award is presented to an individual from the referee community that encompasses the following characteristics:
- Thorough dedication to the art and profession of refereeing
- Courage and will to recover from a major physical setback
- Unparalleled treatment of fellow officials with respect and friendship
Each State Association, State Referee Committee or State Referee Administrator may recommend a candidate based on the criteria listed above. Recommendations are submitted to the U.S. Soccer Refereeing Department where the criteria for each candidate will be reviewed and then selections will be confirmed by the U.S. Soccer Referee Committee as appropriate.