2017 Young Referee of the Year Award Winners to Be Honored at Awards Gala
Referees often are overlooked, or worse, yelled at — even bullied by youth soccer coaches, parents and players. Being a referee can be a thankless job — and one that we believe should be celebrated and honored. We are pleased to share this soccer news from US Youth Soccer with our readers!
Youth Soccer News: US Youth Soccer is pleased to recognize the accomplishments of the national winner and nominees for the 2017 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 Referees of the Year will be honored at the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala on Saturday, Jan. 20, at 7:30 p.m., as part of the US Youth Soccer Workshop in Philadelphia, held in conjunction with the United Soccer Coaches Convention.
National Young Male Referee of the Year Award Winner:
Eric Troy Siegrist – Wixom, Mich. (MIDWEST)
Since beginning refereeing as a 12-year-old, Siegrist has gained significant experience and officiated many competitions, including the US Youth Soccer Michigan State Cup and the US Youth Soccer Midwest Regional League. Siegrist, a Grade 8 referee, is very respectful and does not hesitate to ask questions, as he looks to learn and improve as an official. As a passionate proponent of soccer, he has played on several teams, helped coach a recreational squad and serves as a mentor for younger referees.
Other National Award Nominees:
EAST – Joseph Franks – Philadelphia, Pa.
The Grade 7 referee and Temple University sophomore has amassed a long list of accomplishments and experiences as a referee, as well as in the classroom and his community.
SOUTH – Aidan Hill – Fayetteville, Ga.
Involved with the game since age 4 and as a certified referee for more than seven years, Hill upgraded to a Grade 7 referee in 2016 and continues to progress through the ranks.
WEST – Tyler Cudmore – Surprise, Ariz.
With significant experience at US Youth Soccer state and regional competitions already on his resume, Cudmore hopes to one day get his ‘A’ coaching license and be able to pass on his knowledge of the game.
National Young Female Referee of the Year Award Winner:
Nichole Choplin – Woodbridge, Va. (EAST)
In her young career, Choplin has already worked as the center referee for final matches at several notable events, such as the US Youth Soccer Virginia State Cup, US Youth Soccer Region I Championships and US Youth Soccer Region I Presidents Cup. She is a leader in and out of the referee community, as she has captained her high school volleyball team, coached a middle school basketball team and participated in various fundraising and volunteer roles within her community.
Other National Award Nominees:
MIDWEST – Sarah Most – Eagan, Minn.
A referee since 2013, Most was recently named the Most Outstanding New Referee at the US Youth Soccer Region II Championships, where she refereed the 17U Girls final.
SOUTH – Rebecca Moore – North Richland Hills, Texas
Moore demonstrates leadership on the field as a referee and two-time captain of her high school team, and off of it as a volunteer for HOPE Farm, where she helps young, fatherless boys.
WEST – Anika Gerken – Anchorage, Alaska
Gerken recognizes the importance of teamwork, even for referees, and she is not afraid to surround herself with peers who she views a better than her — knowing they’ll help her learn and improve.
