Paul Scott Replaces Dr. Joe Machnik
The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) announced that Paul Scott has been named the league’s Director of Officials, replacing Dr. Joe Machnik, who left the position due to his expanded role with FOX Sports.
“Paul is one of the top referee administrators in the game,” NPSL Chairman Joe Barone stated. “He brings great experience and leadership to our league. He is highly connected with emerging referees and we are excited to welcome him into the NPSL family.”
Paul is entering his 20th season in Major League Soccer (MLS) and has been involved with important matches for many years. He was named the 2014 MLS Assistant Referee of the Year. In 2013 he officiated both the MLS All-Star Game and the MLS Cup final. In 2010 he officiated the US Open Cup final.
He is also a national instructor for US Soccer and has been involved with mentoring and educating referees for 15 years. He was the past manager of the Region III Youth Championship Tournament referee mentor program. Recently he was asked to start a mentor program in Region IV.
Paul was a part of the elite FIFA FUTURO III Programme and also spent two weeks this year in Germany and Italy, training referees on military bases in Kaiserslautern and Vicenza as part of an appointment by U.S. Soccer.
“I am quite excited to take on this new role and I recognize that I’m following in the footsteps of a giant in the soccer community,” Scott added. “Dr. Joe Machnik has been a mentor, instructor, and role model for many over the decades, including me. My goal is to build upon his work. With the current explosion in interest across the country for this beautiful game, I see this as an opportunity to help develop the next generation of officials.”
Photo Credit: Fred Hiler/North Texas Soccer Association