CAL SOUTH SELECTS GEORGE NOUJAIM AS THE NEW STATE REFEREE ADMINISTRATOR (SRA)

For Immediate Release
August 21, 2009

Contact: Bill Lewis
(714) 451-1535
blewis@calsouth.com

CAL SOUTH SELECTS GEORGE NOUJAIM AS THE NEW STATE REFEREE ADMINISTRATOR (SRA)
The SRA position promotes & carries out all USSF National and Cal South Referee Development programs for all affiliated soccer in Southern California

Fullerton, CA (August 21, 2009) - Cal South (the California State Soccer Association - South) officially announced today the naming of George Noujaim as their new State Referee Administrator (SRA).

Cal South was named an official "joint" Youth and Adult State Association back in March by the U.S. Soccer Federation, and along with this comes the responsibility of having all of the State Referee Committee activities falling under the Cal South umbrella, which includes the facilitation of all US Soccer Referee certifications and national referee development programs.

"We were thrilled with the quality of candidates that applied for the position," said Cal South President Gregg Falk. "George has a well thought-out vision and possesses the perfect blend of referee credentials, leadership and a professional background that will serve him well in guiding and growing the Cal South Referee Programs going forward."

Cal South has long been the progressive leader in referee development on the youth side with its Referee Mentor program; R9 USSF Referee courses; youth referee camps and the high-level referee assignments and assessments that occur throughout the State and National Cup competitions. Noujaim has not only been tasked with continuing and growing Cal South's success in these areas, but also will look to implement new programs and work cooperatively with the referee and soccer community throughout all of Southern California.

"I am honored to serve the board and the referees in Cal South," said Noujaim. "I will bring common sense, integrity, and loyalty to the game. I am gratified to be joining Cal South in order to help shape the destiny of the referee community, so they may excel on and off the field of play for years to come."

Noujaim arrives at his new Cal South post with an impressive list of credentials, which led to his induction into the NISOA (National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association) National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2001. Starting out as a player for Chico State University, where he was a member of the NCAA Division II Championship Team in 1971, Noujaim went on to a prominent National USSF-ranked refereeing career which includes over 25 full international game assignments before being named to a FIFA Panel in 1992, when he was assigned to officiate in the World Cup preliminary games in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Mexico, as well as several assignments at the CONCACAF Championships.

Noujaim was also selected as a referee for ten consecutive years at the local, regional and national NCAA Divisions I, II and III Men's and Women's Collegiate Final Four. He officiated six times at the National Finals of the NAIA Men/Women Division, and four times at the World Collegiate Championships held in New Mexico. He is currently certified as holding National Assessor status with the USSF and NISOA; as a State USSF Instructor; and as an NISOA National Clinician. Noujaim is also a member of the NSCAA, appearing frequently at their conventions as a guest speaker.

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About Cal South:
The California State Soccer Association - South (Cal South) is a 501c(3) California public benefit corporation and is the official youth and adult state soccer association of the United States Soccer Federation and United States Youth Soccer. Cal South represents 230 Member Leagues and Clubs comprising our membership of more than 160,000 registered players, coaches, referees and league administrators. The organization, with a service area that extends from San Luis Obispo to San Diego, provides rewarding recreational and competitive opportunities for players of all ages, genders and skill levels. For more information about Cal South, visit www.calsouth.com.

1029 S. Placentia Ave., Fullerton, CA 92831 // Phone 714.778.2972 // Fax 714.441.0715