The 2026 U.S. Soccer Refereeing Leadership Conference was held in Atlanta, GA on February 20 through February 22. All 55 state associations were in attendance as well as most of the U.S. Soccer Referee Department leaders. Brian Albert and Terry Miller represented Maryland at this national event. The National and State associations collaborated on many topics, such as:

• Referee Abuse Prevention update
• Future of Refereeing Education and Technology
• Safeguarding
• Refereeing Leadership
• Improving Referee Coaching and Mentoring

Maryland was one of two states selected to present to the entire group, with Maryland’s Mentoring model being shared by Brian.

All in all, this was a very worthwhile weekend!