Terry Vaughn: 1973 – 2023
It is with a heavy heart that the Professional Referee Organization has learned of the passing of long-time MLS and FIFA Referee Terry Vaughn.
For many years, Terry was one of the top referees working games in Major League Soccer. From 1998 to his retirement in 2012, Terry officiated 237 matches as either a fourth official, assistant referee or referee. He was also a member of US Soccer’s FIFA Panel starting in 2004. During that time, he represented US Soccer, the state of Iowa, his family and himself in the 2007 FIFA U20 World Cup in Canada, two Concacaf Gold Cups (2007 and 2009), several seasons of the Concacaf Champions League, multiple FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and countless international friendly matches.
Off the field, Terry was a model of class and integrity. He was kind, generous and an individual that young, aspiring officials looked up to. He touched many referees through his work with the Terry Vaughn Referee Academy, helping them understand the Game and how to be the best referee they can be by realizing their true potential.
Mark Geiger, PRO General Manager, said: “Terry was a true ambassador for the referee community. He worked every game with the utmost professionalism and integrity. He was a mentor to many referees in Iowa, the United States, North America and around the world for the way he conducted himself on and off the field.
“On a personal note, I learned so much from Terry on how to be a professional and an international referee. I worked hard to put into practice what I observed him doing and how he went about managing a game. He will be missed, but his legacy and his influence on younger officials will continue to live on through those who learned so much from him.”
Jeff Agoos, MLS Senior Vice President, Competitions, said “We are saddened to learn of the passing of former MLS and USSF FIFA referee Terry Vaughn, after a courageous battle with Huntington’s disease. The PRO and MLS community is a family, and this loss is a tremendous one.
“Terry was an accomplished referee on soccer’s biggest stages and championed education and training for young referees. Our thoughts are with the Vaughn family and our global soccer community during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed.”
PRO grieves the loss of Terry Vaughn alongside his family and countless friends in the soccer community. PRO Officials will be wearing the HD wristbands to help raise awareness of Huntington’s disease through the month of May. The Officials will also be wearing armbands the next two weekends to honor his memory.
Terry will be missed, but we know that his legacy and memory will live on through those who had the privilege to know him and work with him on the field.
May is #HuntingtonsDisease awareness month. Join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #LetsTalkAboutHD.