U.S. Soccer Female and Male Referees of the Year

The inaugural Referee of the Year Awards were launched in 2024 as a way to recognize excellence and celebrate the very best referees in the country. The awards were determined through a weighted vote across the soccer community, including professional and national referees, National Referee Coaches, U.S. Soccer leadership, State Referee Committees, and U.S. National Team players.

More than just a voting process, these awards were long overdue. They shine a spotlight on referees who serve as role models—individuals whose qualities on and off the field embody fairness, courage, and leadership.

By honoring referees in this way, U.S. Soccer affirms a simple truth: refereeing is essential to the success of soccer in the United States. Recognizing their contributions not only celebrates their achievements but also inspires others to give back to the game by becoming referees themselves, ensuring soccer continues to grow stronger at every level.

Recipients:

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:

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:

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.

Previous Recipients: