Nicholas Vass Northern Ohio Collegiate Soccer Officials Association

On behalf of the selection committee, we are proud to announce Nicholas Vass from Northern Ohio Collegiate Soccer Officials Association (NOCSOA) as the week 5 winner of the 2019 Terry Vaughn NISOA Referee of the Week presented by Official Sports.

Nicholas resides in Akron, OH; he was nominated by NISOA Region VII Representative Brian Miller for his outstanding assistant referee performance in a men’s match between Notre Dame College vs. Frostburg State and Nicholas’ inspiration to his fellow colleagues.

In Brian’s words; “Nick is someone that inspires others through his actions and quiet leadership. Whether on the field or off, he is someone that lives and officiates in a way that shows others how they should – a true role model. Nick has battled a series of serious medical setbacks with courage and tenacity, all while officiating a full slate of college games, serving his fellow NISOA referees as a board member within his local chapter, working a full-time job, and coaching a high school team. He is quick to make a joke, flash a smile, and put others first even when he is in discomfort and pain due to his medical treatments. When I see Nick on my schedule, no matter the level of the game, that assignment instantly becomes the one I look most forward to working in the season. By his example, Nick unintendedly pushes many of his fellow NISOA officials through hard work to be better referees and better people. Nick exemplifies what a NISOA member should be – his passion, selflessness, and ability to overcome adversity on a daily basis and because of this, makes him the perfect nomination for this prestigious award.”

Nicholas has been a member of NISOA since 2009; currently working in the following Division I, II, and III Conferences: GLIAC, GMAC, Horizon, MAC, MEC, NCAC, and the OAC.

Off the field, Nicholas contributes to the development of soccer officials through his role as District Advisory Representative for NOCSOA within the Akron-Canton area. He is responsible for recruitment and the processing of new memberships.

When not officiating, Nicholas is employed at Itron as a technical consultant. Itron is a technology company based in the United States that offers products and services on energy and water resource management.

Congratulations Nicholas!