When the 2026 Sports Officiating Summit opens in Grand Rapids, the ceremony that kicks off the industry’s premier gathering will carry special meaning for every NASO member.
This year’s Grand Opening Ceremony will feature the presentation of the Mel Narol Medallion Award to Referee Enterprises Inc. (REI), publishers of Referee Magazine, in recognition of extraordinary service to NASO. The evening will also include a heartfelt tribute to Barry Mano, the founder of both REI and NASO, who passed away earlier this year.
Honoring a Partnership as Old as NASO Itself
Since NASO’s founding in 1980, the association’s board of directors has contracted with REI to manage NASO’s day-to-day affairs. While the board charts NASO’s direction and the benefits members receive, it is the REI staff who bring that vision to life every day. The service officials count on, the smooth operation of the association and the quality of the Summit itself all stand as a testament to their work.
The Mel Narol Medallion Award, named for the pioneering sports law attorney and longtime NASO advocate, recognizes distinguished service to the association. Few organizations could match REI’s decades of stewardship, and the NASO Board is proud to present the honor on officiating’s biggest stage.
NASO Board Chair Ron Torbert will present the Medallion, with REI COO Bill Topp accepting on behalf of the entire REI staff, who will be invited to the stage to share in the moment.
Remembering Barry Mano
The ceremony will also celebrate the life and legacy of Barry Mano, who founded Referee Magazine in 1976 and NASO four years later, serving as the association’s president for more than four decades. A special video tracing REI’s history, and Barry’s central place in it, will set the stage, followed by remarks from some of the most respected names in officiating, including Ed Rush, Debbie Williamson, Jack Roberts, Joe Crawford, Lisa Jones, Ron Foxcroft and Mike Pereira.
Barry believed officials deserved an organization that would stand behind them, speak for them and invest in their success. Every NASO benefit, program and advocacy effort traces back to that conviction.
Fifty Years of Referee
The evening will close with a champagne toast to Referee Magazine, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Founded by Barry in 1976, Referee has grown into the voice of officiating, and for NASO members it remains a cornerstone benefit delivered to your mailbox every month.
The celebration will not end when the ceremony does. The Grand Opening will spill directly into a reception serving as Referee Magazine’s 50th birthday party, giving Summit attendees the chance to raise a glass, swap stories and celebrate five decades of the publication that has chronicled, championed and connected the officiating community.
What Else to Expect
Longtime Summit emcee Joan Powell will guide the evening, which opens with the Canadian and US national anthems and features remarks from NFHS Director of Officiating Services Dana Pappas and Michigan High School Athletic Association Executive Director Mark Uyl, whose home state welcomes the officiating community this year.
Between the Medallion presentation, the tribute to Barry and a golden anniversary worth toasting, this Grand Opening Ceremony promises to be one for the NASO history books. We hope to see you in Grand Rapids.
Join Us
Register for the full 2026 Sports Officiating Summit
Attend just the Grand Opening Ceremony and Referee 50th Anniversary Reception
