CJSL Honors Award Winner 2026 – Referee of the Year - Max Knapic
The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) is proud to recognize Max Knapic as the recipient of the 2026 CJSL Referee of the Year Award.
The Referee of the Year Award recognizes an official who demonstrates exceptional professionalism, commitment, sportsmanship, reliability, and dedication to the game. Although still early in his refereeing career, Max has already earned the respect of assignors, fellow officials, coaches, players, and clubs throughout the league.
Through his composure, work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to learn, Max has quickly established himself as one of the league's most promising young referees and a tremendous ambassador for the referee community.
A Message from Max Knapic
"I’d like to begin by saying thank you very much for selecting me for this award. I am honored to have been recognized for the positive impact I have the privilege to leave on this great game.
I greatly appreciate everyone who has worked with me to get to this point, especially my assignor, Andrew. Thank you to the entire CJSL crew for your support and encouragement. Being a referee is something I truly love, and I look forward to continuing to learn, improve, and contribute to the game for many years to come."
CJSL Referee Assignor Andrew Ashmall-Liversidge has had the opportunity to watch Max's development firsthand and believes this recognition is well deserved.
A Message from CJSL Referee Assignor Andrew Ashmall-Liversidge
"Max represents everything you hope to see in a young referee. He is dependable, professional, eager to learn, and always willing to put in the work necessary to improve. No matter the level of the match, he approaches every assignment with maturity, preparation, and a positive attitude.
What has impressed me most is his commitment to continuous development. He listens, asks questions, accepts feedback, and consistently applies what he learns. Those qualities are what separate good referees from great ones.
The positive evaluations and comments we receive from coaches, clubs, and fellow officials speak volumes about the respect Max has already earned throughout the soccer community. He has a very bright future ahead of him, and I am proud to see him recognized as the 2026 CJSL Referee of the Year."
Award Presentation
Max Knapic will be formally recognized as the 2026 CJSL Referee of the Year at the CJSL Annual General Meeting:
Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026
Location: Gjoa Clubhouse
Address: 850 62nd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11220
CJSL looks forward to celebrating Max's achievements and recognizing his outstanding contributions to the league and the referee community.
About the Award
The CJSL Referee of the Year Award recognizes an official who exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, sportsmanship, and commitment to youth soccer. Referees play a critical role in creating a positive environment for players, coaches, and spectators, and this award honors those who consistently demonstrate excellence both on and off the field.
Max's selection reflects not only his performance during the season, but also the respect he has earned from coaches, clubs, assignors, and fellow referees throughout the CJSL community.
About the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League
Founded in 1933, the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League is one of the oldest and most respected youth soccer leagues in the United States. Serving clubs throughout New York City and the surrounding region, CJSL provides competitive opportunities for thousands of players each year while promoting player development, sportsmanship, education, and community engagement.
CJSL remains committed to supporting referee development and creating opportunities for young officials to grow, succeed, and contribute to the future of the game.
Learn more at: https://www.cjslsoccer.com
