The family of late soccer referee John Bieniewicz was honored with the 2026 NASO Inspire Award during the Celebrate Officiating Gala at the 2026 Sports Officiating Summit in Grand Rapids, Mich.
The emotional presentation recognized Kris Bieniewicz and sons Josh and Kyle, whose strength, advocacy and commitment to honoring John’s legacy have inspired the officiating community since his death in 2014.
John Bieniewicz was attacked while refereeing an adult soccer match in the Michigan United Soccer League and later died from his injuries.
Continuing John’s Legacy
Kyle continued to referee soccer following John’s passing in honor of his father and the avocation he loved so dearly. The Bieniewicz family has remained strong advocates for sports officials, actively supporting legislative efforts in Michigan to increase penalties for assaults on officials.
They have also established a scholarship fund in John’s memory and continue to host a memorial golf outing in his honor to support the scholarship effort.
An Emotional Honor
“I am honestly speechless,” Kris Bieniewicz said after being notified by NASO President Bill Topp that the family had been selected for the award. “After seeing past recipients, I’m not even sure we belong in the same breath as them. Some truly amazing individuals. We consider it an honor to be considered for such a prestigious award.”
The presentation at the Celebrate Officiating Gala was one of the evening’s most emotional moments as the officiating community recognized the Bieniewicz family’s resilience and their continued efforts to make sports safer for officials everywhere.
About the Inspire Award
Created by NASO in 2020, the Inspire Award is presented to those who, by their actions, bring about inspiration, pride and a confirmation of the values cherished by the officiating community.
Candidates of special interest for the award are those who are exemplary in their roles of training, educating and supporting sports officials, or those who demonstrate the values of high ethical standards, integrity, fairness and impartiality.
Past recipients include retired NFL referee Jerry Markbreit, the late Colorado High School Activities Association Assistant Commissioner and NASO Board Chair Tom Robinson, retired men’s college basketball official and administrator Bobby Dibler, NFL down judge Sarah Thomas, and college football official and police sergeant Patrick Kepp.
