2021 MRC John Bieniewicz Award

The Michigan Referee Committee (MRC) recognizes and honors our friend and officiating colleague, John Bieniewicz, with the annual John Bieniewicz award.  John was a man who lived life to the fullest.  He had a passion for his family, a passion for the kids at Mott Children’s Hospital, and a passion for the game of soccer.  John died on July 1st, 2014 after suffering an injury from an assault while refereeing a soccer game.  John refereed at every level of the game in Michigan – adult, high school and youth and held a leadership position as the President of the Tri-County Soccer Referee Association (MHSAA).  In this position, he recruited, trained and mentored other referees.  John gave back to the game and the people he encountered by caring, nurturing and selflessly giving everything he could to the players’ enjoyment of this beautiful game.

The Michigan Referee Committee John Bieniewicz Award is named in his honor and is presented annually to the Michigan referee who has demonstrated a love for the game of soccer both on and off the field.  This official is an encouraging influence on the outcome of games refereed, players encountered and referee colleagues.  This official goes out of their way to make sure that the spirit of the game remains the number 1 priority for all participants of the sport.

Do you know a referee or mentor who has these qualities and spirit?  If so, the MRC seeks your help in selecting the recipient for 2021 by nominating someone who fits this profile.  Nominations are easy and should take no more than 5 minutes of your valuable time…simply send an email with your nomination’s name and a brief description of why you are making the nomination – the MRC will take it from there. Nominations will be accepted through November 30, 2021.

To nominate, send your nomination email to the following:

mgr.field@michiganrefs.org
green.nicole.m@gmail.com
sra@michiganrefs.org

On behalf of the MRC, we thank you in advance for your nominations this year.

The Michigan Referee Committee