PAT SMITH SERVED AS REFEREEING PIONEER
by Paul Kennedy, Wednesday, Dec 9, 2009 7:00 AM ET
[OBITUARY] Hall of Famer Pat Smith, best known for his pioneering work as a referee, died Sunday at his home in Callaway, Fla. He was 86.
Smith was a referee in the North American Soccer League and from 1970 to 1977 served as director of officials with the American Soccer League.
Smith served as director of assessment for the NASL and recommended referees to the U.S. and FIFA refereeing list. He helped start the national instructional program for referees. In 1979, he was honored with the first-ever Eddie Pearson Award for contributions to U.S. Soccer’s referee program.
Smith began his playing career with Ohio club Dayton Edelweiss and helped launch the soccer program at the University of Dayton.
A Pat Smith Soccer Scholarship Award has been started in his honor: Pat Smith Soccer Scholarship, 6226 Seminole Drive, Panama City, FL 32404.
A memorial service will begin Saturday at 6 p.m. in the Wilson Funeral Home chapel. Before the service, the family will receive friends from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Address: Wilson Funeral Home, 214 Airport Road, Panama City, Fla. Telephone: 850-785-5272.
