2016 Male & Female Young Referee of the Year Awards
The annual winners of the 2016 US Youth Soccer Male and Female Young Referee of the Year awards have been announced ahead of the 2017 NSCAA Convention set for next month. The national Young Referee of the Year winners will be presented at the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala on Friday, January 13th.
Youth Soccer News: US Youth Soccer has announced the regional winners of the 2016 US Youth Soccer Male and Female Young Referee of the Year awards. The Young Referee of the Year Award honors those individuals who have a strong work ethic, knowledge of the rules of the game and are also positive role models.
The national Young Referee of the Year winners will be presented at the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala on Friday, January 13th, at 7:30 p.m., as part of the US Youth Soccer Workshop in Los Angeles, held in conjunction with the NSCAA Convention.
Young Male Referee of the Year regional award winners:
Region I – Max Hartman – South Park, Penn.
As a Grade 8 Referee, Max Hartman shows maturity, professionalism and a strong work ethic. Hartman officiated at the US Youth Soccer National Championships and was selected as an assistant referee for the U18 Boys National Championships Final. In addition, Hartman enjoys mentoring younger referees and instills the confidence in them to perform to the best of their abilities.
Region II – Philip Meersman – Delavan, Wisc.
“Curiosity” and “humility” are a couple words that were used to describe Philip Meersman. He officiated at the Wisconsin State Championships, US Youth Soccer Region II ODP Camp and the Midwest Regional League. Off the field, he was invited to participate in Stanford University’s High School Summer program, where he earned eight college credits prior to his senior year of high school.
Region III – Jaelin. E. Rainey – Newnan, Ga.
Jaelin E. Rainey became interested in refereeing at the age of 9, and by the time he was 13, he had already attended his first referee academy. Since then, Rainey has officiated in the US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup, the Disney Showcase and the Georgia State Cup. One of Rainey’s most important skills is the ability to interpret body language. Furthermore, Rainey has enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard and he will proceed to his training after graduation this Spring.
Region IV – Samuel Rozinski – Chandler, Ariz.
Known by his peers for his knowledge and enthusiasm for the game of soccer, Samuel Rozinski is always seeking to challenge himself. On his 17th birthday, Rozinski became a Grade 7 Referee and has refereed in a girls State Cup Final and the U15 Girls Presidents Cup Final. Off the field, Rozinski is in the National Honor Society and has received the AP Scholar Award. To give back to the community, Rozinski coaches a recreational soccer team.
Young Female Referee of the Year regional award winners:
Region I – Katherine Highsmith – Springfield, Va.
Always committed to improving her performance, Katherine Highsmith’s effective communication is a key aspect of her development. During her breaks at tournaments, she communicates with mentors and find ways to improve her skills. Highsmith has refereed six NVSL matches and eight US Youth Soccer Eastern Regional League games.
Region II – Jackie Spiegel – Ada, Mich.
A leader and a creative teacher in her community, Jackie Spiegel reaches out to young players through officiating. Spiegel has become more outspoken and confident both in and outside of the game. To better her knowledge, Spiegel has attended referee clinics and watched countless videos by U.S. Soccer. Outside of officiating, Spiegel is a member of the National Honor Society and a Youth Action Board Member.
Region III – Laurel Theriot – San Antonio, Texas
A Grade 8 Referee, Laurel Theriot’s ultimate goal is to be a FIFA international referee. US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup and State Cup finals are two main tournaments Theriot has refereed. Moreover, Theriot has 14 years of playing experience, which has substantially helped her officiating. She is also a high school student ambassador, ranked in the top 10 percent in her class and a childcare volunteer for various activities in her church.
Region IV – Suhani Abdullah – Berkeley, Calif.
As a Grade 7 Referee, Suhani Abdullah exhibits punctuality, commitment and how to produce high-quality work. Abdullah was also named the 2015 State Female Youth Referee of the Year. Abdullah organized a charity soccer tournament that raised over $3,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charity.
