Barry Mano, founder of Referee magazine and NASO, dies at 82

4 articles · Updated · The Wall Street Journal · Apr 24

Mano passed away on March 31, 2026, leaving behind his daughter Julia and brother Mark; his wife Jean died in 2024.
He launched Referee magazine in 1976 and founded NASO in 1980, supporting 32,000 members and advocating for sports officials’ rights and protections.
Mano’s legacy includes championing the professionalization of officiating, addressing abuse against officials, and shaping the conversation around the challenges facing referees at all levels of sport.

Can the 50-year fight to protect sports referees survive without its visionary founder?

With millions now being paid to college athletes, has the job of an official become impossible?

A 1972 riot sparked a revolution for refs. Why is sideline rage even worse today?

Abuse causes 75% of new officials to quit. Is the real problem a lack of respect or low pay?

Should yelling at a youth soccer ref be treated the same as assaulting a police officer?

What is the hidden psychological toll on officials who are told to just 'tune out' abuse?