Seeman Wears NASO Medallion Nicely

Jerry Seeman, former NFL senior director of officiating, was awarded the NASO Medallion before a crowd of more than 200 appreciative sports officials and friends during the association’s annual Gold Whistle Award banquet June 17, in Norfolk, Va.

The 65-year-old Seeman graciously accepted the award from NASO President Barry Mano, who described Seeman as "a gentleman in the truest sense of the word – dedicated to family, to friends and to officiating."

Seeman is the first person to receive the NASO Medallion. The award was created by the NASO board of directors to honor an individual or organization that has contributed significantly to the betterment of the association and to officiating in general.

Seeman’s contributions to officiating are well documented. He became director of officiating for the NFL in 1991 after serving in the NFL as an official for 16 years. He officiated high school basketball and football in his home state of Minnesota for more than 20 years.

Most notably known for having created the most extensive and comprehensive officiating evaluation program known to professional sports, Seeman was also instrumental in the development of the current NFL instant replay system.

While in his leadership capacity at the NFL, Seeman worked with NASO to provide valuable insight into the NFL evaluation system and shared many of its philosophies so that organizations at lower levels can apply the same principles to improve their programs. Seeman often spoke at NASO conferences and was a willing advisor to the association on educational matters.

"Jerry was never secretive or selfish with his program," said Mano. "He was always willing to share and help others improve."

Seeman’s direction also assisted NASO in establishing a successful partnership with NFL Charities, the funding arm of the NFL for not-for-profit organization’s and projects. NFL Charities has funded various NASO educational initiatives including the NFL Youth Sports Preseason Football Publication that has been distributed to more than 30,000 officials in 2000, and will reach another 40,000 or more in 2001.

While Seeman may be retired from day-to-day activity at the NFL offices in New York, he will continue to serve as an advisor to the NFL officiating department. He plans to retire in the Minneapolis. Minn., area, but will continue as an officiating observer on Sundays at NFL games this season.

"I worked with so many wonderful individuals while at the NFL and during my years maturing as an official," said Seeman. "Those friendships mean everything to me. You can’t take the officiating out of the soul overnight."

In retirement, Seeman will remain busy. In addition to serving the NFL as a consultant and game observer, Seeman began a two-year term on the NASO board of directors effective June 19.

"I was never able to serve on the NASO board while with the NFL due to my day-to-day responsibilities," said Seeman. "Now, I look forward to working even more closely with the association in the coming years."?

Back