News

Washington State 2025 Youth Referees of the Year

Lucas and Claire, congratulations on being selected the Washington State 2025 Youth Referees of the Year.  

Congratulations to Lucas Morrow, Washington’s 2025 Youth Male Referee of the Year! 🏆⚽️

Lucas has quickly become one of Washington’s standout young referees, earning respect for his professionalism, empathy, and composure on the pitch. Since first picking up the whistle in 2022, he’s officiated matches across all levels, from U9 Recreational to U19 ECNL and MLS Next, consistently bringing fairness, confidence, and integrity to every game. His coachability and ability to establish positive rapport were among the many qualities Lucas possesses according to those who support him.

 
Beyond soccer, Lucas serves as a Cadet Colonel in the Civil Air Patrol and was named National Cadet of the Year, representing over 35,000 cadets nationwide and directly oversees 60 cadets in the Bothell area. He also serves as a Youth Councilmember for the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle, where he champions service and inclusion.

Thank you, Lucas, for your exceptional leadership, professionalism, and the example you set for young referees throughout Washington. 💚

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Congratulations to Claire Heinen, Washington’s 2025 Youth Female Referee of the Year! 🏆⚽️

Claire has played soccer for 14 years and earned her referee badge at just 13. What began with nerves and uncertainty has become a journey of growth, resilience, and confidence. She brings professionalism and purpose to every match, guided by her belief that “referees are here to serve the game.” When needing someone to step up to a challenge, those closest to her state that Claire is always one of the first to raise her hand to stand up for those opportunities. When difficulties arise, she has the clarity, poise, and confidence to succeed no matter what. She views these life challenges as opportunities, not as obstacles, to ensure her growth mindset keeps her moving forward.

 
One of Claire’s favorite assignments is U9–U10 girls, where she teaches, encourages, and celebrates their love for soccer. Off the pitch, she leads in the classroom, in student life, and in the great outdoors. She is always striving to lift others up along the way.

Outside the boundary lines Claire had stepped up as the athletic representative at her school, impressing the administrative team with her MC abilities, organization, foresight, and drive to ensure the activities she is in charge of are well taken care of. When she is in charge, teams are formed, leadership is evident, and the event runs so smoothly thanks to her presence.

 
Thank you, Claire, for leading with integrity, passion, and grace, and for representing Washington Youth Soccer with excellence. 💚

Washington State 2027 Adult Referee of the Year

Chris Turner has been selected as the Washington State 2027 Adult Referee of the Year.  

Chris Turner has been officiating soccer since 2007. His experience spans youth, high school, adult, and collegiate competitions, including Youth National Championships, State Finals, the U.S. Open Cup, and multiple NCAA National Tournaments. In addition to officiating, Chris serves as a mentor and assignor for major competitions throughout Washington State.

Youth Referee

Since 2010, Chris has participated in numerous regional and national youth soccer events as both an official and mentor.

Notable Appointments

●  2022 ECNL Boys Nationals

●  2023 USYS Nationals

●  2026 ECNL Girls Nationals

High School Referee

Since 2017, Chris has officiated high school soccer throughout Western Washington during both the boys and girls seasons.

Notable Appointments

●  2019, 2025 Girls High School State Semifinals and Finals

●  2022, 2023, 2026 Boys High School State Semifinals and Finals

Adult Referee

Since 2015, Chris has officiated adult amateur and pre-professional competitions throughout Washington State and across the country, including the EPLWA, UPSL, CPL, NPSL, PDL, USL League Two, and USL W League.

Notable Appointments

●  2024, 2025, and 2026 U.S. Open Cup

●  2025 and 2026 USL League Two Playoffs

●  2026 USL W League Playoffs

College Referee

Chris has been a member of the Washington Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association (WAISOA) since 2012 and has officiated collegiate matches across the West Coast. He currently serves as a referee in several NCAA Division I conferences, including the Pac-12, Mountain West, West Coast Conference (WCC), Western Athletic Conference (WAC), and Big Sky Conference.

Notable Appointments

●  2023 and 2024 NWAC Championship Final

●  2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 NCAA National Tournament

●  2024 Big Sky Quarterfinal

●  2025 Big Sky Semifinal

Assignor

Since 2017, Chris has served as an active assignor within Washington State. He has managed assignments for a variety of leagues and competitions and currently serves as the assignor for Washington State Cup events, MLS NEXT Academy, and MLS NEXT Homegrown competitions.

U.S. Soccer Strengthens Penalties for Referee Abuse

U.S. Soccer wants to stop assaults on referees. They have implemented new, harsher penalties for referee abuse - physical and verbal abuse.

Managing Referee Abuse & Assault

Soccer referee abuse and assault are very serious crimes against the sport and they continue to happen to our members. Misconduct against referees may occur before, during, and after a match — including travel to and from a match. It is critical that referees correctly identify and make a report of these incidents. Your SRC has developed two pages to assist you in recognizing and dealing with Referee Abuse and Assault. The first page provides information on recognizing abuse and assault and how and when to report it. It may be viewed on the page Referee Abuse. Guidance for how you should conduct yourself when you experience Abuse or Assault is provided on Your Conduct if an Assault Occurs. A link is also provided in the sidebar and the right of this page.

It is requested and recommended that all recertifying and new referees complete the new lesson providing online instruction on recognizing and dealing with Referee Abuse and Assault.

Additional reference information regarding Referee Assault and Abuse.

Washington State RAP Stats for first full year and tips for fall 2026.

Washington State 2024 Referee Achievement Award

Kelsey Harms has been selected for the Washington State 2024 Referee Achievement Award. 

Kelsey Harms has been a dedicated soccer referee since 2004, officiating matches from youth games to the professional level in the NWSL and USL Super League. A member of the National Referee pool since 2016, Kelsey is also a Division 1 college referee, a certified VAR official since 2023, and a respected referee coach. She has officiated at numerous top-level youth tournaments as both a referee and a mentor, and she plays a crucial role in the referee community as the assignor for the EPLWA.

In 2024, Kelsey was honored with the WSASA Referee Achievement Award for her contributions to the Washington state refereeing community. Her work as an assignor, referee coach, and national-level official has had a significant impact on the development of referees across all levels.

Passionate about mentorship, Kelsey is committed to guiding the next generation of referees, recognizing the support and guidance she received on her own journey. She hopes to continue officiating at a high level while helping young referees find their path in the sport. 

USSF Requirements and Profiles for USSF Officials