MASL TO HONOR GINO D'IPPOLITO
The Major Arena Soccer League’s Office of the Commissioner announced today the implementation of a new award to honor Gino D'Ippolito. The Gino D'Ippolito Referee of the Year award will honor the legacy of D'Ippolito on the caliber of indoor soccer referees.
D'Ippolito reffed in over 2000 games and 1500 indoor games. He refereed international matches in 29 countries. A Yonkers resident since 1951, D'Ippolito defined what it meant to be a great referee in indoor soccer.
He is remembered fondly by those he shared the field with as a “fan-favorite” and one of the “top referees in this country.” At a time when there was only one referee on the field at a time, D’Ippolito was the go-to for all the biggest games in the Metropolitan area.
“Gino was a consummate professional. He had a way of managing the game with a unique gift for communicating with coaches and players. Everyone from the stands to the bench to the field respected him as well as loved him,” commented Keith Tozer, MASL Commissioner. “It is truly an honor to be able to name an award in his legacy and to celebrate the achievements of the next generation of indoor soccer referees.”
“Recognizing the performance and dedication of our top referee with an award named for Gino will be an incredible honor,” said Ryan Cigich, MASL Head Referee. “Gino is the pillar of indoor soccer refereeing”
A video tribute to the great, Gino D’Ippolito can be viewed on MASL social media and MASLtv.