Question Number: 30232

Other 3/31/2016

RE: Select High School

Mike Owens of Chattanooga, TN - Tennessee USA asks...

I just wanted to recognize the passing of Robert Evans on 3/29/16. His book and blog were the major influence on my refereeing style and desire to improve no matter what level game I am supporting. God bless him and his family. Rest in Peace, ref.

Answer provided by Referee MrRef

Hello Mike,
We appreciate the sentiment as I am sure does the family and friends of Bob Evans. He did what he thought was right, he did it with passion and integrity !

from our pitch to your pitch in the spirit of fair play!

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Mike
We on the site echo your comments and we extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family. He will be sadly missed by all in the soccer community particularly those of us in officiating. May he rest in peace

Robert (Bob) Evans grew up near Swansea in South Wales. He played soccer in the local youth and senior Leagues. Graduating from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Geology he emigrated to Canada to pursue his studies earning a Masters Degree at Dalhousie University in Halifax Nova Scotia. It was in Nova Scotia that he first studied the Laws of the Game and qualified as a referee. Further studies earned a Doctorate in Geology from the University of Kansas. Thereafter he worked as a research scientist in Dallas, Texas.

In 1972 he joined the North American Soccer League as a match official until its demise in 1984. In 1979 he became a member of the International Panel for the United States, and worked elimination matches in the World Cup and Olympic competitions. He retired early in 1988 from the International Panel to take up the position of National Director of Referee Instruction for the United States Soccer Federation. In 1990 he was appointed the first FIFA Referee Instructor in the United States.
In later years he freelanced as a science writer publishing articles in major popular science magazines and websites. He authored books on refereeing including *Manual for Linesmen* and *Teaching Offside* and co-authored the book *The Art of Refereeing* with his good friend and colleague Ed Bellion. His blog *For the Integrity of Soccer, Art and Science of Refereeing* was viewed by many
He listed his interests: Mellifluous adagios; rainy days; Dylan Thomas's works; flying light aircraft; intelligent movies, books and ideas; the power of science as a way of thought; skillful and subtle use of language.

He was awarded the Eddie Parson Award and the Bill Scofield Award by the US Soccer Federation.

Anonymous Quote on the web. I wonder if it refers to Bob!!

** A very dear friend died this morning. He was a brilliant scientist and a lover of the arts. I am richer for our time together.

We spent some great times talking about music. He fancied Cat Stevens, Django Reinhardt, and a wide range of classical music. When he rocked out, it was to The Rolling Stones.

He described his quest in life as "seeking out mellifluous adagios." I have come to love that phrase.

Sweet-sounding, slowly played music is a great metaphor for the beauty in life. My dear friend was one who truly appreciated those moments. He will be missed. **