New York Soccer Referees Association
August 28, 2025
To whom it may concern,
We have been informed that the National Soccer Hall of Fame is considering Gino D’Ippolito for the 2026 Hall of Fame induction.
I am Kambiz Riazi, the New York Soccer Referee Association (NYSRA) president. On behalf of NYNew York Soccer Referees Association
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August 28, 2025
To whom it may concern,
We have been informed that the National Soccer Hall of Fame is considering Gino D’Ippolito for the 2026 Hall of Fame induction.
I am Kambiz Riazi, the New York Soccer Referee Association (NYSRA) president. On behalf of NYSRA and all the soccer referees in New York City, we wholeheartedly endorse Gino for induction into the Hall of Fame.
Gino, better known as “Pops” to our referees, was a pioneer in the USA, a one-of-a-kind referee, mentor, and all-around soccer enthusiast. His refereeing style was loved by players and referees alike. He kept control of the game while enjoying it as much as the players did. The players sensed his knowledge and respected his decisions equally.
As an assessor, he traveled throughout the United States and New York and was well known for his insights. He mentored hundreds of referees and influenced many who moved up in US Soccer. His guidance was delivered with a distinct New York flavor and a big smile.
Perhaps more than all his attributes in soccer, his ready and genuine smile was his best attribute. You immediately felt his genuine, bright personality and connected to him immediately, as attested by international players he refereed when he was a FIFA referee.
The Hall of Fame cannot find a better candidate to represent the early American Soccer Referee example. He was loved and well respected.
I strongly endorse Gino for the Hall of Fame.
Sincerely,
Kambiz Riazi
SRA and all the soccer referees in New York City, we wholeheartedly endorse Gino for induction into the Hall of Fame.
Gino, better known as “Pops” to our referees, was a pioneer in the USA, a one-of-a-kind referee, mentor, and all-around soccer enthusiast. His refereeing style was loved by players and referees alike. He kept control of the game while enjoying it as much as the players did. The players sensed his knowledge and respected his decisions equally.
As an assessor, he traveled throughout the United States and New York and was well known for his insights. He mentored hundreds of referees and influenced many who moved up in US Soccer. His guidance was delivered with a distinct New York flavor and a big smile.
Perhaps more than all his attributes in soccer, his ready and genuine smile was his best attribute. You immediately felt his genuine, bright personality and connected to him immediately, as attested by international players he refereed when he was a FIFA referee.
The Hall of Fame cannot find a better candidate to represent the early American Soccer Referee example. He was loved and well respected.
I strongly endorse Gino for the Hall of Fame.
Sincerely,
Kambiz Riazi
Editor's Note: As a past member of this group, I am very happy they have chosen to join us and untold others in pushing for this most vital recognition for the late, great, Gino!