Heartland Referee Awards

The Heartland Board of Directors authorized the Referee Development Program to recognize officials that made exceptional contributions to the Heartland ecosystem. The following awards were initiated:

Iron Man

Showing up for assignments is the first step in the job of being a soccer Referee. Iron Man officials do this more than anyone else. When you think of the weather in Kansas, this means they worked in the cold, the wet, the heat and the wind. Each of these recipients did more than 150 matches in the year.

Outstanding Assistant Referees

This award recognizes consistent effort and performance in the role of an Assistant Referee. Everyone would like to have these officials on their line.

Rookies of the Year

This award recognizes those who distinguished themselves through their performance in their first year as a certified Referee.

Most Improved

When effective Referees work hard to improve, their efforts are visible to the Field Marshalls, the coaches, the players and the fans. These Referees continue to strive to get even more consistent and effective throughout the year.

Referee of the Year

This prestigious award goes to a Referee that anyone would be happy to see in the middle of their match.