 Fawzi Noocha has been involved with soccer, both in
the United States and in Iraq, for over 55 years. His involvement in soccer has been more than just officiating. Mr. Noocha
started as a player in 1968 and is still an active player. He continues to organize teams for an Over-50 league in Detroit.
He can be seen weekly on the field coaching his team as well as spending time on the pitch as player-coach.
Mr.
Noocha began his officiating career in 1975 in high school. As a high school official, he was recognized and recruited by
Tomy Syme and Hans Shwink to officiate in the Detroit Soccer League, which was at that time, one of the most competitive men's
armature programs in the nation. In 1987, Mr. Noocha earned his USSF National Referee Badge and one year later, earned his
G3. As a national official, he officiated in a variety of leagues including the North American Soccer League (NASL), the NPSL
(indoor pro league). Noocha has also officiated national tournaments in 1989 (Marabol Cup), which included four teams competing
in the 1990 World Cup, the referee at the US Open Cup semi-final and finals. He has also officiated matches involving Russia
and the United States in 1989 and USA vs Mexico in 1990. Mr. Noocha became an emeritus referee in 1995. That same year he
earned his National Assessors credentials. Over the past 15 years, he assessed hundreds of officials pursuing their national
referee badge.
Noocha also accepted an invitation to become an instructor with the Michigan Referee Committee.
As an instructor for over 10 years, he has used his experiences and wisdom to prepare officials by sharing his wisdom and
knowledge of the game. He is valued by both new and seasoned officials for his ability to communicate to referees with different
levels of experience. Most notably, Noocha knows how to work with younger officials as well as more experienced officials.
He is able to help officials at their level and knows how and when to push them to greater levels of achievement.
Perhaps the most important quality of Mr. Noocha is his genuine interest, commitment and dedication to both the individual
and the game of soccer. Fawzi Noocha embodies the qualities of a leader in the field of soccer that is based in Michigan,
but extends well beyond the region and throughout the nation. He may be outspoken, but he also upholds the convictions and
passion for the game that is difficult to find in others. His committment to strengthening the game through supporting, developing,
and guiding officials parallels his passion for the game as a player, administrator, coach and official.
In addition
to being selected as the Regional Referee of the Year, Fawzi was also selected as the National Referee of the Year at the
USASA Mid-Year Meeting in Clearwater, Florida on October 8, 2011. The region is so proud of Fawzi and we all wish him the
best.
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