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Dr. Joe Adult Referee of the Year Award

About Dr. Joe Machnik
With nearly seven decades in U.S. soccer—as player, coach, administrator, referee, instructor, and Fox Sports rules analyst—Dr. Joe Machnik (“Dr. Joe”) was inducted into the U.S. National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2017 for his lifelong impact on the game .

 

Award Criteria

  • Age & Service

    • 18 years or older

    • At least 3 years of referee service

  • On‑Field Excellence

    • Demonstrates top‑tier skills and judgment at adult‑level matches

    • Regularly officiates across all adult divisions

    • Deep, practical understanding of the Laws of the Game

  • Professionalism & Leadership

    • Maintains a professional demeanor on and off the field

    • Actively mentors fellow referees

    • Commits to key competitions (e.g., State Cup Series)

    • Pursues ongoing referee education and development 

Nomination & Selection (common to all three awards)

  • Who Can Nominate: Anyone may submit a completed nomination form for a referee who meets the requirements.

  • Selection: An SRA‑appointed committee reviews nomination letters and documented performance observations.

  • Announcements & Prizes: Winners are posted on the SC Referee website and each receives an SRA‑embroidered polo shirt and backpack.

Dan Wilbur Female Youth Referee of the Year Award

About Dan Wilbur
Dan Wilbur has been a cornerstone of youth officiating education, dedicating decades to mentoring young referees and advancing the women’s game through clinics and assessor roles.

Award Criteria

  • Age & Service

    • 14 to 22 years old

    • Minimum of 2 years of referee service

  • Technical & Match‑Play Skills

    • Proficient as both Referee and Assistant Referee in competitive youth matches

    • Strong grasp of the Laws of the Game and their application

  • Character & Growth Mindset

    • Mature, confident, and respectful conduct

    • Dresses professionally for matches

    • Willingness to travel for tournaments and learning opportunities

    • Receptive to feedback from mentors and assessors

    • Clear desire to excel as a referee 

Nomination & Selection (common to all three awards)

  • Who Can Nominate: Anyone may submit a completed nomination form for a referee who meets the requirements.

  • Selection: An SRA‑appointed committee reviews nomination letters and documented performance observations.

  • Announcements & Prizes: Winners are posted on the SC Referee website and each receives an SRA‑embroidered polo shirt and backpack.

Don Wilbur Male Youth Referee of the Year Award

About Don L. Wilbur
A National Referee Emeritus and coach‑mentor, Don Wilbur’s decades of service—as assessor, instructor, inspector, and match commissioner—have shaped countless young officials and advanced the game at every level .

Award Criteria

  • Age & Service

    • 14 to 22 years old

    • Minimum of 2 years of referee service

  • Technical & Match‑Play Skills

    • Effective as both Referee and Assistant Referee in competitive youth matches

    • Solid understanding and application of the Laws of the Game

  • Professionalism & Ambition

    • Mature, confident, respectful behavior

    • Professional match attire

    • Eagerness to travel for development events

    • Actively seeks and implements mentor feedback

    • Strong drive to excel in officiating 

Nomination & Selection (common to all three awards)

  • Who Can Nominate: Anyone may submit a completed nomination form for a referee who meets the requirements.

  • Selection: An SRA‑appointed committee reviews nomination letters and documented performance observations.

  • Announcements & Prizes: Winners are posted on the SC Referee website and each receives an SRA‑embroidered polo shirt and backpack.

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Referee of the Year

Each year we celebrate excellence in officiating with three Referee of the Year honors. The Dr. Joe Adult Referee of the Year Award recognizes a veteran official whose leadership, consistency, and passion have raised the bar on every match. The Dan Wilbur Female Youth Referee of the Year Award shines a spotlight on a young woman whose skill, composure, and commitment mark her as a rising star. And the Don Wilbur Male Youth Referee of the Year Award honors a young man whose dedication, fairness, and enthusiasm embody the future of our profession. Join us at this year’s awards banquet as we salute these outstanding officials and inspire the next generation of referees.

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