Alex C. Plum Spirit of the Game Award
To recognize and honor a soccer referee who exemplifies the true spirit of the game through fair play, respect, and integrity — on and off the field.
2025 Recipient: Anna Riley
After an abundance of nominations, Bainbridge’s Anna Riley was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Alex C. Plum Spirit of the Game Award. Riley, who attends Holy Names Academy in Seattle, truly exemplified the spirit of the game through the 2024-25 season — both on and off the field.
“I know that when she steps on the pitch she will bring all the attributes we are looking for (in this award), and which Alex respected and was a purveyor of: respect for the game and players, positive attitude, high integrity and fair play,” one nomination said.
Riley was presented the award and a Dortmund jersey — No. 1 for the first recipient — at KPSRA’s Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, May 20. Plum was a lover of European soccer, particularly Dortmund.
“I always remember he would turn his body the direction that the call was going,” Riley recalled of working with Plum. “And the funny comments he would make.”
Riley, who started reffing in 2022 to earn some money for a soccer trip, quickly grew to enjoy the officiating aspect of the game. She plans to continue reffing while attending and playing soccer at Marian University in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, next year.
“I think just becoming more confident in myself,” Riley said of what she’s learned most as a referee. “I’ve learned a lot more about the game and can understand it better.”
Her fellow officials applauded Riley’s honesty, fairness and willingness to ref games of any level to make sure games were able to be played with a referee.
“Every time Anna Riley is assigned to my crew, I breathe a breath of fresh air, because I know she will be consistent, confident and fair,” a nomination said. “And of course, she’ll come to the field with a smile on her face — even if she’s soaking wet from reffing two other games beforehand.”
Riley hopes others can also pick up a whistle and get involved in the sport. As for advice she might proffer to young referees:
“Do games that are going to challenge you,” she said. “And don’t second guess yourself.”
Objective:
To recognize and honor a soccer referee who exemplifies the true spirit of the game through fair play, respect, and integrity on and off the field.
Eligibility:
Must be a certified soccer referee with at least two years of active officiating experience.
Must have officiated a minimum of 20 club matches in the current season (September – April).
Criteria:
1. Fair Play:
Demonstrates consistent and unbiased decision-making.
Ensures the rules of the game are applied fairly to all players and teams.
Maintains composure and professionalism in challenging situations.
2. Respect:
Shows respect towards players, coaches, and spectators.
Encourages and fosters a positive and respectful environment on the field.
Handles conflicts and disputes with diplomacy and tact.
3. Integrity:
Upholds the highest standards of honesty and ethical behavior.
Avoids any actions that could be perceived as favoritism or conflict of interest.
Adheres to the code of conduct for referees at all times.
4. Positive Influence:
Acts as a role model for other referees and players.
Promotes the values of sportsmanship and teamwork.
Contributes to the development and improvement of the game.
Nomination Process:
Nominations can be submitted by players, coaches, fellow referees, league officials, or clubs.
A nomination form must be completed, detailing specific examples of how the referee meets the award criteria.
The nomination memo will be sent to all of the soccer clubs by the second Friday of March.
Nominations must be submitted by April 15th.
Selection Process:
Kitsap Peninsula Soccer Referees Association board will review all nominations by April 30th .
The board will evaluate nominees based on the provided criteria and supporting evidence.
The award recipient will be announced at the Annual General Meeting held in May.
Award:
The recipient will receive a custom soccer jersey and a certificate of recognition.
The recipient’s name will be added to the association’s “Spirit of the Game” honor roll.