2025 Joe Denkmann Award — Co-Winners
Congratulations to Rogelio Alvarez and Tom Williams, the association’s highest honor for service to Indiana officiating.
SEP 21 · WELL ATTENDEDAdvanced Referee AcademyThank you to everyone who joined this month’s Advanced Referee Academy webinar on “Challenges,” led by Referee & Mentor Coordinator Jeff Swartzel — it was well attended by officials from across Indiana. Missed it, or want a second look? Watch the recording, and explore the monthly Academy schedule for what’s coming up next.
Mark your calendars — our next Advanced Referee Academy sessions are October 12 and November 3. Submit topic suggestions and game situations to jeff.swartzel@indianareferees.org.
We grow, support, and retain soccer referees across Indiana through education, mentoring, and coaching — so officiating stays rewarding for a lifetime, not just a season.

Get certified, find an in-person course, and work your first match with support.
Go →Recertify each year and keep developing through mentoring and the Academy.
Go →Find your district’s assignor and start receiving match assignments.
Go →Login trouble, transfers, or just not sure where to start? We’ve got you.
Go →Congratulations to Rogelio Alvarez and Tom Williams, the association’s highest honor for service to Indiana officiating.
Rogelio Alvarez earned his National Referee badge, joining a growing group of Indiana officials moving up the U.S. Soccer pathway.
Caleb Sow and Dana Hackney are recognized for composure and commitment that point to a bright future for Indiana soccer.
Our next Academy session — free and online for all Indiana match officials. Details →
The following month’s Academy session — free and online for all match officials. Details →
This month’s free webinar on “Challenges,” led by Jeff Swartzel, was well attended by officials across Indiana. Watch the recording or see upcoming sessions.
A new officiating topic every month, free and online for all match officials. See upcoming sessions →
ISRA is a nonprofit run for officials. We set measurable goals and put the large majority of every dollar toward referees on the field.
Retention
More first-year officials returning for a second season — the clearest sign Indiana is a place referees want to stay.
Support
Mentoring, the monthly Academy, and a clear path so new referees never feel alone on the field.
Respect
Our standard is payment within seven days of a match for events we run.






Photos from Indiana referee events. Tip: click any caption to edit it.
The first course is online, the on-field session is about four hours, and you can be refereeing within weeks.