HALL OF FAME 2001

SAMUEL “SAMMY” HOMICH

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:

  • Certified as a North American Soccer League (NASL) referee where he served as a referee for 10 years and an assessor for 4 years.

  • State Referee Instructor from 1978 to 2000
  • National Assessor from 1980 to 2000
  • Florida State Director of Assessment 1984-1988
  • After retirement he continued contributing to the program as a referee mentor
  • Refereed over 25 years in the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) soccer program
  • Was a member of the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association (NISOA) where he officiated at a few Senior Bowls, NCAA Division II and NCAA Junior College finals. he was also NISOA’s official Russian interpreter during the referee exchange program in the late 1980’s.

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.

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