Nebraska Referee Development Program (NRDP) announces that Wayne Wilson has retired from his role as State Referee Administrator (SRA). Jim McVay, Chairperson, will serve as Interim SRA until a permanent replacement is appointed.

Wayne served Nebraska’s soccer referees as SRA for nine years after succeeding Nebraska’s previous SRA, James “Jimmy” Norris, in 2012. During his tenure, Wayne oversaw impressive growth and development among Nebraska’s referees. Wayne wore many hats while serving as SRA, playing the role of instructor, assessor, assignor, mentor, advocate, and more. He worked tirelessly on behalf of Nebraska’s referees and the entire statewide soccer community.

Wayne’s path to the role of SRA began in 1994 when he accompanied his son, Brent, to a weekend-long referee certification course. It was not long before Wayne began the process of working his way up the referee ladder under the tutelage of Mr. Norris, Tom Vitamvas, Russ Tice, Doug Epps, and others. He officiated at major tournaments and events like Youth Regionals, Amateur Regionals, and Dallas Cup. His leadership qualities were evident to all those around him as he took on myriad roles beyond refereeing to help out soccer in Nebraska.

Although he has retired as SRA, Wayne is not leaving soccer behind. He will continue to provide assigning services to various leagues and organizations, and he will continue to put his more than quarter-century of experience to work as a Referee Coach.

NRDP wishes Wayne a wonderful retirement and thanks him for his work as State Referee Administrator. Nebraska’s soccer community would not be where it is today without his efforts.