COMMUNICATOR
September 22, 2023

Soccer officials group inducts Manjone into Hall of Fame

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Joe Manjone holds the award he received from the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association

Former CSU provost Joe Manjone was recently inducted into the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Hall of Fame.

On July 20, the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association inducted Manjone, the NISOA director of the Interscholastic Division, at its annual conference in Denver. NISOA is an organization of more than 5,000 soccer officials which trains, certifies and provides qualified soccer referees for the college soccer community throughout the country.

“I feel very humbled because I was acquainted with most of the individuals that are currently in the Hall of Fame and I know how outstanding they are,” said Manjone, a former president of Waldorf College and current executive consultant with Columbia Southern Education Group. “Some of these were my mentors. I never felt that I was at the level of these individuals, but I am honored that the current members felt otherwise and selected me to join this elite group.”

Manjone is a founding member of two NISOA chapters and is a current member of the National Federation of High School Sports (NFHS) Soccer Rules Committee. He is just beginning a four-year term as the representative from Section 3 which consists of: Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, and Louisiana In the past he has also served as the chair and officials’ representative of this committee. The NFHS Officials Association recognized Manjone as the National Distinguished Contributor for 2012.

Manjone began officiating in 1959 and continues today at high school games in Alabama. “I enjoy officiating because it keeps me associated with the game, other officials and participants. Also, it provides me exercise and requires that I stay in shape,” he explained.

He has officiated nearly 2,000 soccer matches in seven U.S. states and at U.S. Army bases throughout Europe. His past professional experience also includes sports administrator positions with the U.S. Army, Penn State, Frostburg State University, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Manjone holds a bachelor’s in math, a master’s degree in sports administration from Penn State, and a doctorate in sports administration from the University of Georgia. An officiating researcher and author, his works include the “Co-recreational Sports Handbook” and a number of articles on officiating.

Pictured above: Joe Manjone stands with NISOA President Todd Abraham.

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