NISOA members shine at NIRSA Championships
Back in July of 2021, over 200 NISOA match officials applied for the opportunity to officiate at the 2021 NIRSA National Soccer Championships. From these applicants, 71 were selected and descended to Foley, Alabama, beginning November 18 – 20, 2021.
NISOA has a long-standing history of educational support with NIRSA, having sent national clinicians in previous championship editions. This year, NISOA doubled down by sending NISOA National Clinician and AAC & Sun Conference Assignor, Chris Penso, to the event. Chris’ main objectives were to provide top-class education and identify high performing match officials for national visibility and recognition.
Chris, along with Manuel Ortiz Jr, NISOA Hall of Fame Class of 2014 & ECSR Board Member provided education to the match officials during a pre-tournament webinar session. During the championship, both Chris and Manuel spent their days mentoring the match officials by observing matches providing constructive feedback during either halftime or after the matches. Additionally, during the afternoon break, both organized an afternoon tent session with discussions of common themes from match observations, along with a short Q&A session with the match officials.
Below are the names of the most outstanding match officials from the 2021 NIRSA Soccer National Championships, selected by the educational team and tournament staff.
Most Outstanding Referees (Alphabetical by State)
Most Outstanding Assistant Referees (Alphabetical by State)
For NISOA members looking for opportunities to showcase their talents to conference assignors, the NIRSA National Championships is an incredible opportunity for this goal. Be on the lookout this coming summer for the application to attend the 2022 NIRSA Soccer National Championships.
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Quote from Chris Penso, NISOA National Clinician, AAC & Sun Conference Assignor, and FIFA VMO:
“I wanted to take a moment to thank the Foundation Fund for the opportunity to represent NISOA at the NIRSA event in Foley last week. Erik and Kevin, as well as the rest of the NIRSA staff, run an amazing event at a first-class venue, where referees are looked after quite well and afforded all the things, they need to showcase their skills along with the players in what are highly competitive and demanding games. My attendance was highly rewarding on several levels - from my role as a national clinician to my role as a Conference coordinator - and everything in between.”
Quote from Erik Jaeke, NIRSA Soccer National Championships Coordinator & NISOA Member:
“Having Chris there was a big success. Chris related really well with everybody, and referees all were able to learn something from him. We had a lot of PRO prospect referees, as well as NCAA-focused referees… both groups look up to Chris, so it was the perfect fit.”
Chris Penso & Manuel Ortiz Jr leading the mid-day educational session at the 2021 NIRSA Soccer National Championship in Foley, AL.
2021 NIRSA Soccer National Championship
Women’s Open Final
James Madison University vs. University of Connecticut
L to R: Emily Donahue (TX), Justin Weinstock (VA), Shawn Tehini (NC), Erin Patterson (IN)
2021 NIRSA Soccer National Championship
Women’s Championship Final
Penn State University vs. University of North Carolina
L to R: Jennifer Doumaine (TX), Leah Hayes (RI), Bryson Condry (NC), Chana Forstall (AR)
2021 NIRSA Soccer National Championship
Men’s Open Final
Boston College vs. University of Missouri
L to R: Ryan Birdsall (WI), Brian McKay (WI), Peter Bernardy (WI), Jordan Howard (MI)
2021 NIRSA Soccer National Championship
Men’s Championship Final
Brigham Young University vs. University of Texas at Austin
L to R: Marcus Moss (NC), Kofi Boateng (WV), Seun Yinka-Kehinde (IN), Ryan Shanklin (WI)
