The Eddie Pearson Award is presented to individuals from the US Soccer referee community who have made distinguished contributions to the national referee program and have been involved for at least 20 years. The award was created to honor Eddie Pearson, who worked with the Georgia State Soccer Association and dedicated his efforts and abilities to the development of soccer as a coach, referee, instructor and administrator until his untimely passing in September 1978.
Regarding the award, Jozsef said, “It was a great opportunity to be recognized by my peers, and obviously for the long service that I have provided for U.S. Soccer. It’s an honor to be even mentioned, especially with such a limited amount of people who received this award throughout the years. It’s a privilege that Angelo Bratsis nominated me, and it was just a wonderful surprise.”
Regarding his referee career, “I kept trying to get as many opportunities, and fortunately I had the chance to work professionally in the North American Soccer League, became a national referee, worked tournaments and national finals, and international games. Living in South Florida, there was constantly international soccer down here.”
For the past 25 years, Jozsef Michna has been a U.S. Soccer National Referee Coach, focusing on everything from the youth level to international matches. Some of his international assessments include the CONCACAF Champions League, the 2012 Olympics and also pre-qualifying for FIFA World Cups.
“Right now I’m an assistant referee coach [with the PRO], watching the ARs and fourth officials and evaluating their work,” he said. “It’s been very positive working with the PRO and how they are managing things.”
As is commonplace in the referee community with experienced former professional and international referees, Jozsef has taking his extensive knowledge and experience and has always attempted to impress that knowledge and experience upon future generations of referees and “make them better.” The list of referees over the years that have experienced success is long and distinguished due to his many influences. Several instructional videos featuring Jozsef teaching field training topics are posted in the FLSRC library video resources as well as the Eddie Pearson Award ceremony.
“There is always somebody looking out for you, but it’s not a world of entitlement,” He has said many times. “You give them tough love, encourage them, show them the way and make sure they produce. You help improve their skills both on and off the field, and through all of that you will receive the reward in the end.”
Jozsef Michna, National Referee Coach of the Week for March 8th.
