A Virginia-based law firm is putting its money where its whistle is, offering a $2,500 scholarship specifically designed for student officials who demonstrate leadership both on and off the field.
BenGlassLaw’s new Referee and Umpire Leadership Scholarship honors the firm’s founder, Ben Glass, who has officiated soccer for nearly 50 years. The scholarship is open to students currently officiating any sport who plan to attend a U.S. college, university, trade school, or graduate program.
“Officiating gives you something no other high school job can—leadership experience that actually matters,” a BenGlassLaw representative noted. “You’ll be in charge, making real-time decisions, managing adults, and keeping your cool under pressure. You’ll earn respect, grow in confidence, and learn how to lead—not by title, but by action.”
The application requires a 500-750 word essay detailing the student’s officiating experiences and the leadership skills they’ve developed through sports officiating. Essays should include an introduction to the sport officiated, a specific story demonstrating leadership in a challenging situation, reflection on skills developed (such as confidence, communication, resilience, or emotional intelligence), and advice for new referees or umpires.
The firm emphasizes they’re seeking honest, thoughtful essays that provide in-depth analysis of how officiating has influenced character development. Students should note that using AI to generate essays will result in immediate disqualification.
The deadline for submissions is December 15, 2025. Complete details and application requirements are available at https://www.benglasslaw.com/scholarship/.
