David Socha, who refereed two World Cups, passed away on Monday morning. He was 86. Socha worked the middle at the 1982 and 1986 World Cups, in Spain and Mexico, respectively. He also refereed several World Cup qualifying matches and also officiated the 1984 Olympics.
Born in Springfield, Mass. to Polish-American parents, Socha started officiating in 1970. “I love soccer,” he told the Morning Union in 1986. “When I couldn’t play anymore, a friend suggested that I officiate. I’ve been doing it ever since.” Back in the day, ethnic populations retained their identities, which meant they played soccer. “At one time in this country, that’s all they played here,” Socha told the Los Angeles Times. “The players were brought in from the old country and they played for the factories. There were some quite good players at that time [before and shortly after World War II]. It just went from generation to generation.” Socha worked his way up the ladder and eventually became a FIFA referee, even when he was part-owner and a sometime bartender in Frank’s Tavern of Indian Orchard, Mass. In 1984, Socha worked the middle of the opening game of the Cambridge, Mass. venue of the Summer Olympics, only two hours down the road on the Massachusetts Turnpike from his Springfield, Mass. home. He also was the referee for the FIFA-UNICER World All-Star game in 1986. According to the Massachusetts State Referee Committee, he was a mentor to young game officials. “Dave kept his finger on the pulse of up-and-coming referees and was willing to share opinion and give advice when called upon,” the committee said on its Facebook page. “He would show up to games at Lusitano Stadium regularly, giving expert analysis to other referees in attendance. On behalf of the State Referee, we extend condolences to this great legend’s family and friends. He blazed the trail for many referees – from the wider CONCACAF region, the United States and tiny Massachusetts. May he Rest in Peace.”
Source: FrontRowSoccer
