Soccer Biography of Sammy Homich (by Mack Alarcon, November 14, 2000)

Sam Homich arrived in Florida in 1070 as an officer and member of the United State Air Force stationed at McCoy Air Force Base in Orlando. His first spare time act there was to build a soccer field.

At the same time Sam became involved in Florida refereeing where he contributed a great deal of time at the state and national levels. Some of his contributions to the referee program:

Sam grew up in Bayonne, New Jersey, home of several ethnic soccer teams and leagues. He played for the Bayonne Rangers and the Elizabeth Germans.

After graduating from the USFA Aviation Cadet School, he continued playing, coaching and refereeing wherever the Air Force took him – Scotland, Spain, Japan, Vietnam, to mention a few as well as stateside assignments. In Florida he played for the Orlando Clippers and coached the Orlando Kickers.

Sammy received his B license in coaching in 1973. he attended all clinics whether near or far traveling on his own to places such as Colorado Springs and New Jersey to polish his skills.

He was very proud of his 9 word feedback assessments: “Does good work, could do better, will improve.” he said he applied that ditty not only too soccer but to any endeavor.

For all his accomplishments, Sam Homich always gave credit to this Northern Ireland born wife. without whose patience and understanding he would have not been able to serve our game in such a positive way.

Sammy said that he was very proud to have been associated with some “great individuals, particular the referees in Florida.” Well Sammy, speaking for the referees in Florida, we are very proud to have had someone like you in our midst. Thank you on behalf of 5,000 plus Florida referees.

Sam Homich was inducted in the FSR Hall of Fame in 2001.