Joe Fletcher, former MLS Assistant Referee of the Year, has been appointed Manager of Senior Assistant Referees by the Professional Referee Organization (PRO), announced Monday.
Fletcher's role will focus on the training and development of MLS-level assistant referees. He will report to PRO Director of Senior Match Officials Mark Geiger. The 43-year-old will coordinate and supervise an assistant referee coaching program in MLS.
“I have lived what many of our referees are trying to accomplish and have always taken great pride in the effort that I put into matches,” Fletcher said in a statement. “Now it’s my job to take an already elite group of Assistant Referees and push them all to be even better. The resources and training programs at PRO have infinitely improved over the years, and it is our goal to make these officials better versions of who they are today."
Fletcher worked as a PRO performance consultant last year, as well as working as an instructor for Canada Soccer. He worked with Geiger at both the 2014 and 2018 World Cups. Fletcher has also worked two MLS Cups (2014 and 2016), two Concacaf Champions League Finals (2008 and 2017), the 2012 Olympic Games in London and much more over his refereeing career.
“We are delighted to add the quality and expertise that Joe Fletcher brings to our team as we prepare for another exciting year,” PRO General Manager Howard Webb said. “Joe was not only one of Major League Soccer’s most talented Assistant Referees, but he was also extremely successful on the international stage. His experience at the very highest level, combined with his energy and passion for the game, will greatly benefit our current group of MLS and international Assistant Referees, and those aspiring to walk in Joe’s footsteps. We are privileged to have him on board.”
