About Us
For over a decade, Arizona's referee community has flourished, We've risen to meet the rising standards, and demonstrated unwavering resilience in defining moments that shape who we are. Now, as we step into this exciting new chapter, our mission is clear: to uplift every referee's journey from recruitment and training to fostering respect, retention, and well-deserved recognition.
If you have questions or concerns, feel free to contact us -
email: admin@azref.com
text: 480-913-5345
Arizona State Referee Association
Directors and Affiliate Members
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Melissa Beck
Paul Nothman
Treasurer
Open (accepting applications)
Secretary
Open (accepting applications)
Social Media / Webmaster
The organization, Soccer Referees of Arizona Inc. dba Arizona State Referee Administration exists to support US Soccer Policy 531-1, Referee Administration. In accordance with this Policy, the organization is comprised, in part, of the State Referee Committee. Per the Policy, this committee is comprised of the State Referee Administrator (SRA), State Director of Instruction (SDI), State Director of Assessment (SDA), and State Director of Assignment, and the Presidents of the youth and amateur state associations. The organization is legally formed as a 501-c-3 entity.
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Joel Votaw
State Referee Administrator
Joel Votaw grew up playing soccer until age 12 in Southern California, when he switched to swimming and water polo, excelling through college. He was an AYSO referee for exactly one month, being so unprepared and overwhelmed that he stepped away. Flash forward nearly a full lifetime: His children began playing soccer competitively and eventually became officials to better learn the game and earn some money. To support the sport he loved and spend time with his kids, Joel joined them as a referee and discovered a joy in officiating he never knew existed. He made his share of mistakes but persisted, working hard to become a Regional Referee in 2017. Joel has enjoyed serving the soccer community and its referees for the past decade, including as State Youth Referee Administrator. In late 2025, he was appointed State Referee Administrator, and he looks forward to leading the program in this formal capacity. Joel and his family have lived in Arizona since 2005. They have one younger daughter still playing competitively in Arizona and another son who plays with his college team.
