Celebrating Youth Soccer Referees
Being a referee can be a daunting task; being shouted at by parents, argued with by coaches and cursed at under the breath of players. Being a referee is an amazing responsibility and a great honor. Referees are the guardians of the world’s most beloved sport and are not celebrated nearly enough — Here is a wonderful opportunity to appreciate a few of the best and brightest of America’s young referees – thank you US Youth Soccer.
US Youth Soccer is pleased to announce the regional winners of the 2015 US Youth Soccer Male and Female Young Referee of the Year awards. The Young Referee of the Year Award honors those who have a strong work ethic, have knowledge of the rules of the game and are positive role models.
The national Young Referee of the Year winners will be announced at the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala on Friday, Jan. 15, at 7:30 p.m., as part of the US Youth Soccer Workshop in Baltimore, held in conjunction with the NSCAA Convention.
Young Male Referee of the Year regional award winners:
Region I – Nicholas Karnovsky – Brookline, Mass.
A freshman at Harvard, Nicholas Karnovsky already has a wealth of refereeing experience. The Grade 8 official has worked US Youth Soccer State Cup, Regional Championship, Regional Presidents Cup and National Presidents Cup events – earning respect for his mature leadership throughout each competition. Karnovsky is well-rounded off the field, as he was an AP Scholar with Distinction in high school while participating in several sports activities.
Region II – Brett Metzger – Collinsville, Ill.
For more than five years, Brett Metzger has been developing his skills as a referee. He has shown initiative to enhance his skills as a soccer official by reaching out to higher-grade officials for mentorship. Metzger’s knowledge of the game, athleticism and judgement in quick-moving games has helped him develop an ability to control matches. Off the field, Metzger is an honor roll student, active in student organizations and a proponent of community service.
Region III – Greylin Antonio Trotter – Summerfield, N.C.
Each year as a referee, Greylin Antonio Trotter has attended a training program to help advance his skills to his current Grade 7 level. He was selected as a Regional referee and used it as an opportunity to learn from the experienced instructors. Trotter also works to help instruct younger referees in his community, volunteers at his local club and received a coaching license to help kids in rec leagues improve and enjoy the game.
Region IV – Benjamin Davis – Tucson, Ariz.
Benjamin Davis has been refereeing since 2008. He is currently a Grade 7 referee and has worked nearly 300 games, including US Youth Soccer Arizona State Cup and US Youth Soccer Region IV Championship matches. Davis knows it is important to continue learning as a referee and accepts advice from higher officials he meets at events. He makes sure to pass along that knowledge while providing guidance and support as a mentor for younger referees.
Young Female Referee of the Year regional award winners:
Region I – Lydia Bethel Dunlevy – Carrolton, Va.
Lydia Bethel Dunlevy became a certified referee at 13 and developed a good work ethic and thorough understanding of the laws of the game. She continues to improve her craft, and in working to become a Grade 7 referee, Dunlevy has exposed herself to higher levels of play, such as the US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup and US Youth Soccer ODP. Dunlevy is also an active volunteer in the community who seeks out ways to encourage and teach younger kids.
Region II – Emily Williams – DeWitt, Mich.
Active in the game as a player, coach and referee, Emily Williams has advanced her skills to become a Grade 8 referee. She was selected to work the 2015 US Youth Soccer ODP Region II Showcase, where she was assigned to officiate a final. A former US Youth Soccer ODP player herself, Williams also promotes the game by volunteering with youth soccer camps and assisting with the organization of her club’s soccer tournament, in which she trained and scheduled referees.
Region III – Hailey Murin – Mansfield, Texas
Hailey Murin is a referee who is open to feedback and making adjustments to become a better official each time she steps on the field. She is positive and upbeat, and her high school soccer coach described her as a strong leader who sets a good example for underclassmen. Aside from being a Grade 7 referee, Murin has helped prepare holiday food boxes at a local mission and has been an active volunteer at her church.
Region IV – Vanessa Dee – San Diego, Calif.
Vanessa Dee is active in several activities, including refereeing, where she is working on upgrading to a Grade 7 certificate. The 17-year-old began refereeing in 2013 and has continued to challenge herself while gaining more experience. Dee is also part of a record-setting 4×100 track team, and she participates in a buddy program in which she spends time with special education students. She plans to continue refereeing when she begins college this fall.
The US Youth Soccer Workshop will take place in Baltimore from Jan. 13-17, 2016.
The annual Workshop will be held at the Baltimore Convention Center in conjunction with the NSCAA Convention. The week is designed to further the education of coaches, administrators, referees and enthusiasts involved in the game.
