REFEREE OF THE WEEK: MICHAEL SAMAAN

Michael Samaan, a graduate student in mechanical and aerospace engineering and a Grade 6 referee from D.C./Virginia, earned high marks on Saturday, September 24, during the game between Virginia Rush AJ Auxerre and Kendall SC U-17/18. Samaan has officiated almost 40 Academy matches during the past two years and attended the 2010 Winter Showcase. He also serves the USL Pro, PDL, and W-League games in his area.

The U.S. Soccer Federation's Referee Department's main function is to facilitate referee development and training. Seminars are held throughout the year to instruct and prepare referees of all grades through classroom lectures, field practicals and video review. With successful professional leagues like Major League Soccer (MLS), United Soccer Leagues (USL) and Women's Professional Soccer (WPS), it is imperative that the officials we provide reflect the same high level of play and professionalism that those leagues present.

U.S. Soccer has more than 140,000 registered referees, covering the game at all levels from youth through professional. Identification of future professional referees is one of the organization's biggest priorities. U.S. Soccer staff observes officials to give them feedback on their performance. Additionally, staff is also looking to identify particularly skilled referees to invite them to U.S. Soccer camps for advanced training.