December 15, 2007-Founded in 1969, the Long Island Soccer Referees Association (LISRA) has been assigning certified officials to Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) matches ever since.

As one of LISRA's most reliable officials, Bob Koch has been refereeing LIJSL matches since 1978. The longtime Massapequa resident has officiated over 5,000 LIJSL games during the past 30 years.

2006 was a very good year as Bob was selected as the LISRA Referee of the Year. 2007 was an even better year as LISRA honored him as a Lifetime Member, the association's version of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Bob received the honor at the LISRA Holiday Party on December 13 in Dix Hills.

"Bob has achieved a very high level of officiating performance during the past 30 years," commented LISRA President Barry Lawson. "Plus he never misses a meeting, he never says no."

Bob's most memorable game was refereeing the LIJSL's Commack Academy defeat the England Boys Under 17 Youth National Team, 2-1, at the turn of the millennium. The match was played at the Peter Collins Soccer Park in Plainview.

Bob also had the honor of refereeing the Futsal National Finals in Anaheim, California during the past three summers.