Real Salt Lake’s Referee Liaison Officer Paul Pickett had his work commended by PRO after he was confirmed as the winner of the Ernie Branco Liaison Award for 2019. Pickett, who has served as RSL's Referee Liaison since the club's inaugural season in 2005, will be recognized for his honor prior to Real Salt Lake's match against the New England Revolution on March 21.
The Ernie Branco Award was introduced in 2016 to recognize the Referee Liaison Officer who has demonstrated outstanding attitude and acted professionally in support of the officials. The voting is open to all PRO officials who worked MLS matches in the past season, and they selected Pickett as the beneficiary for last year.
“I am honored to be named the 2019 Ernie Branco Liaison of the Year,” said Pickett. “I’m also touched that so many of the PRO officials hold me in such high regard. I’ve really enjoyed my journey over the last 15 seasons and look forward to many more seasons together.”
PRO GM Howard Webb added: “This award is given in recognition of the great work which is performed by the team of MLS Referee Liaison Officers across the country, who play a valuable role in supporting PRO officials. Paul’s attention to detail and willingness to assist the match official crews working at RSL games has ensured officials can focus on their role, knowing everything they need to be successful has been taken care of. The hard work of our team of Referee Liaison Officers across MLS helps to ensure gameday runs smoothly. Paul is a worthy winner and sets a high benchmark for everyone to aspire to this coming season.”
