#Love4Larry

The Larry Smith Memorial Referee Fund is to assist referees who cannot afford the tools to do their job to the best of their ability. It is especially designed for those youth referees who demonstrate love for officiating soccer, kindness, courage; currently officiate recreational and or competitive league and Cup games for Colorado Soccer Association and are not able to afford everything they need to be successful as referees.

More often than not, new referees are encouraged to start with the economy packages, and one or two basic jersey colors, then gradually purchase additional gear, as the income begins to roll in. Since many youth referees are still playing their own games, busy with school and church, it takes time to acquire all the gear to make their job easier. 

In theory, all referee crews should match when working a game together. In a perfect world, there should be 5 colors on the field, meaning Home Team, Away Team, Home GK, Away GK, and Referee Team.

Many new referees find it too expensive to purchase all the gear required to perform their new job. 

When Larry was on the field mentoring youth referees, he would often run across a referee who only had one jersey color, either forgot their watch, or could not afford one, and those who improvised and used their cell phone to keep game time.  Larry was always there to lend a hand, and to make the new referee feel confident, so the referee could concentrate on player safety, and a level playing field.

Here's what referees need to do their job and the types of items the Larry Smith Memorial Fund will help provide:

Referee Equipment 

1. Shoes (primarily black in color)

2. Referee Shorts (US Soccer/Official Sports with Logo’s)

3. Whistle (pea-less design is recommended)

4. Referee Duffle Bag or Back Pack

5. Referee Data Wallet

6. Referee Coin

7. Ball Pump

8. Referee Socks

9. Wrist Watch

10. Jerseys (Long Sleeve/Short Sleeve)

    1. Yellow – primary color (remaining colors are not listed in any particular order)

    2. Red

    3. Blue

    4. Black

    5. Green

The purpose of this memorial fund is to honor Larry Smith by continuing to help those referees who need a hand by providing equipment to make them more confident and successful on the soccer field

You can be part of keeping Larry's legacy alive by donating to the fund.

Click the DONATE button below to support the Larry Smith Memorial Referee Fund  

If you prefer to make a donation by check, please make it payable to Colorado Soccer Association and in the memo line indicate that the donation is for the Larry Smith Memorial Fund. Checks may be sent to:

Colorado Soccer Association - Larry Smith Fund

385 Inverness Parkway, Suite 190

Englewood, CO 80112

Do you (or someone you know) need help getting your referee gear? 

 Larry Smith Memorial Referee Fund Application– click here