AWARDS

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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.

Don Wilbur Award

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.

Kari Seitz Award

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.

Previous Recipients:

Mohammad Zarrabi-Kashani
2018

Jonathan Meersman
2015

Charlie Van Nederpelt
2014

Fred Parrish
2008

Dennis La Versa
2000

Steve Oliver
1997

Robert Evans
1994

George Hall
1992

Reinhold Spath
1991

Robert Singer
1990