Linda Velie
Hall of Fame Inductee 2007

To say that Linda Velie is a skilled and knowledgeable referee is somewhat like saying that Michelangelo could do a nice job painting your ceiling.  For well over 20 years, Linda has been deeply involved in Washington State Youth Soccer’s referee program, and has recruited, mentored and managed untold referees in her career as a soccer official, administrator and trainer/educator.

In the midst of all those years, Linda also rendered long and dedicated service to Region IV and its Referee program.  Her first year as a referee at Regionals was 1982 under the wing of then Region IV Referee Administrator, Steve Oliver.    Steve was followed by Hal Liske in the Ref Administrator role, and Linda served enthusiastically as his assistant.  If you were around in those years at Cup, you rarely saw one without the other.

In 1993 Linda became the Region IV Referee Administrator and served in the position through 2001.  Her high standards for performance and professionalism in officiating served the players and the matches well at FWR events.  Linda was admired for her encyclopedic knowledge with regard to referees she managed, and for her uncanny ability to remember the smallest detail about individual officials.  While most who worked with Linda remember those years with great affection, her critical eye could make the most seasoned veteran referee cringe if singled out for some shortfall in performance.

Referees recommended to officiate at Regionals by their State Administrators are held to a rather high standard.  But occasionally an unlucky few will fall short of expectations. According to one long time associate, Linda’s approach to addressing such referees became known as the dreaded “Velie Sandwich.”   It usually went that you received a sincere compliment on something about you or your performance.  A pause would occur followed by a piercing question that cut right to the issue that displeased her.  Then came an ego-bruising detailed description of how and why you had failed.  After completely reducing you to a puddle, she would put her arm over your shoulder, and tell you that she still loved you.  No one ever doubted that she loved them but few wanted to have that experience again.

In recognition of Linda’s service and her contribution to promoting excellence in our Referee corps, Region IV is pleased to accept her to the U.S. Youth Soccer Region IV Hall of Fame.