US Youth Soccer announces 2009 regional Young Referee of the Year award winners

US Youth Soccer announces the regional winners of the 2009 US Youth Soccer Male and Female Young Referee of the Year awards. The Young Referee of the Year Award honors those who have a strong work ethic, knowledge of the rules of the game and are positive role models.
 
The national Young Referee of the Year winners will be announced at the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala on Friday, Feb. 26, at 7:30 p.m., as part of the US Youth Soccer adidas Workshop in Fort Worth, Texas.
 
Brief bios of the regional winners are below based on the submitted nomination forms:

Young Female Referee of the Year regional award winners:

Region I – Stephanie Myrick – Woodbridge, Va.
Stephanie Myrick is known within Virginia Youth Soccer Association for her dedication, hard work and commitment to achieve the highest level of success as a referee. Her goal was to become a Grade 7 referee before she was 17, and she did that, becoming the youngest in the Virginia – Washington, D.C. area to achieve this grade. Myrick’s experience ranges from competitive leagues and the Virginia State Championships to US Youth Soccer ODP tournaments and training camps. She also writes articles and speaks at referee meetings.

Region II – Carlin Bunting – Cottage Grove, Minn.
Carlin Bunting is a Grade 8 referee who began her journey as a referee in the sixth grade. At age 14, she received her Grade 8 certification and has been refereeing every season since, participating in regular season and district games, the Schwan’s USA Cup and the Minnesota State Championships. Bunting’s experience also stretches to coaching younger soccer players, organizing annual soccer clinics and serving as a part-time Coerver Soccer trainer in Bloomington, Hastings and River Falls, Minn.

Region III – Erin White – Ocean Springs, Miss.
Erin White is a Grade 8 referee whose spirit, enthusiasm and maturity translates onto the soccer field as she officiates across all levels including recreational, Division I leagues and the US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup. A graduate of Ocean Springs High School, she finished in the top 10 in her class and as a full-time college student she continues to referee and mentor younger, less experienced referees. White continues to develop as a young referee and openly accepts constructive advice.

Region IV – Christine Walden – Danville, Calif.- North
Christine Walden learned to think on her feet as a young soccer player and she has carried that over as a Grade 7 referee. She began refereeing for the California North State Championships in 2006. In 2007, she was honored by refereeing a state championship finals game and advancing to the 2007 Region IV Championships, repeating the same success in 2008. Walden has also officiated in the Far West Regional League and several US Youth Soccer ODP camps.

Young Male Referee of the Year regional award winners:

Region I – Justin Mazzeo – Finleyville, Pa.-West
Justin Mazzeo has been a referee for seven years and involved in the game for the past 14. He is a Grade 8 referee who challenges himself by attending advanced clinics and training camps such as the US Youth Soccer ODP training camp. Mazzeo’s assignors have confidence to place him in any youth soccer match. They greatly value his skills as a referee, his spirit of volunteerism and openness to learn from his mentors. In 2009, he represented Pennsylvania West at the Region I Championships.

Region II – Robert Hayes – Overland Park, Kan.
Robert Hayes is known on the field for his professionalism and calling the game as it is being played. With his positive and helpful attitude, all respect the authority he possesses as a Grade 7 referee. Hayes is a student in all aspects of the game. He is currently pursuing his USSF “D” License for coaching and plays for his high school soccer team. Beyond the soccer field, Hayes is active in his community of Overland Park, Kan., and has accumulated over 175 hours of community service.

Region III – Caleb Hindman – Prattville, Ala.
Caleb Hindman has grown up playing the game since he was six years old, always learning and striving to accomplish more. As a referee he stays composed, seeks mentorship from senior referees and appreciates critiques after games. A Grade 8 referee and full-time student at Troy University, he has participated in US Youth Soccer ODP training, the Alabama State Championships and the Governor’s Cup. When refereeing young children, he always makes sure they understand the reason for his calls.

Region IV – Kyle Kazmer – Thousand Oaks, Calif.-South
Kyle Kazmer began refereeing at age 11, moving up to a USSF referee at 13. Kazmer is currently a Grade 6 referee who has completed requirements for Grade 5. His time as a referee has taught him how to command respect and learn from others. Through the years, Kazmer has refereed various levels of play including the 2008 Region IV Championships, semi-pro MLS games and pre-season MLS games. Kazmer also places volunteerism at the top of his priorities and has traveled internationally for mission trips.