Kevin Terry Named Referee of the Year NEW YORK (Wednesday, October 16, 2002) - Major League Soccer announced today that Kevin Terry, a veteran of seven MLS seasons, has been recognized as the 2002 Official Sports Referee of the Year. The native of London, England has been the man in the middle for a total of 77 MLS regular season matches since the League's Inaugural Year in 1996, including 11 games in 2002. Terry's selection for the award ends the four-year reign of former MLS referee Paul Tamberino, who retired at the end of the 2001 season and became a competition consultant for the League office. A FIFA referee since 1997, Terry has officiated several international matches including World Cup Qualifiers, will become the first man to referee two MLS Cup championship games when he takes the field for MLS Cup 2002 in Foxboro on Sunday, October 20 for the match between the Los Angeles Galaxy and New England Revolution. Terry was also the man in charge for MLS Cup ’98 between the Chicago Fire and D.C. United. Terry began his officiating career when he was still in high school in the Cleveland suburb of North Olmstead. He became a professional referee in 1986 for the Major Indoor Soccer League and has since officiated professional, indoor, youth and senior amateur soccer. Terry continues to officiate professional indoor soccer and has been a part of every competition sanctioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation. A former professional player, Terry moved to the U.S. in 1974 at the age of 15. He played indoor professional soccer for the Cleveland Force (MISL - 1979-’82). He later played on two outdoor teams: the Cleveland Cobras and Oklahoma City Stampede (USL - 1983-’84), refereeing and coaching at the same time. Over the last 17 years, Terry has also run a public warehousing and storage company in Carrolton, Texas - BSP Warehousing - together with his father, Peter. In his leisure time he joins his wife Susan to watch their four children play youth soccer: Kevin Jr. (16 yrs), Kaili (14 yrs), Keegan (12 yrs) and Kyler (5 yrs). The Referee of the Year Award recognizes the referee whose performance is judged the best overall by MLS head coaches, general managers, players and the Professional Soccer Reporters Association. Referees Brian Hall and Kevin Stott were also finalists for the honor. OSI Referee of the Year Winners 2002 Kevin Terry 2001 Paul Tamberino 2000 Paul Tamberino 1999 Paul Tamberino 1998 Paul Tamberino 1997 Esse Baharmast
In light of recent developements, I am not sure this is an "honor" that most referees would aspire to.
Actually, no -- especially since MLS has been caught finagling the Laws. Asking whether Terry was thus rewarded for being a good ref, for following the Laws, or for toeing the MLS line is very relevant ...
Despite the allegations of MLS officiating it is still the premier professional league in the United States -- the highest level of play that we have to offer. To be honored as the Referee of the Year for MLS is a great accomplishment for any referee, controversy or not.
Or should he be arrested for contributing to the delinquancy of a minor by pandering to the leagues tampering with our game?
MLS has not been caught finagling anything, one letter doesnt make a conspiracy no matter who writes it.
Dang, you caught me. Just to confirm that I am Don Garber in disguise, here is a quote for you, "we will be expanding by 4 teams in 2003"