About MARA
Our Mission & Vision
The Metro Atlanta Referee Association strives to Promote. Develop. Support.—the quality and growth of our referees.
We do this by:
1) Cooperating with the USSF and state associations governing adult and youth soccer and their affiliated leagues and organizations.
2) Administering referee registration, recertification, and grade management to meet the composite needs of competition throughout the state.
3) Instructing referees with timely and innovative training throughout their careers.
4) Offering every referee the opportunity to develop to their full potential through assessment and mentoring.
5) Fostering referee teamwork and fellowship to further promote peer mentoring and camaraderie.
6) Advocating and enhancing the assignment process to meet both the needs of the competition and foster the development of the referees.
7) Promoting exceptional referees to extend their careers to the national and/or international arena
Why Join MARA?
Becoming part of the Metro Atlanta Referee Association (MARA) means joining a community dedicated to professionalism, growth, and supporting the game we love. Whether you’re a referee at any stage or a league of any size, MARA provides the tools, structure, and guidance you need to succeed on and off the field.
From training resources to hands-on mentorship and reliable game assignments, MARA ensures every official is equipped to perform with confidence.
We’re more than just an assignor—we’re a network committed to developing quality referees and maintaining the highest standards in youth soccer.
Meet The Team
Joe Todd
Chairman of MARA
Joe has been involved with Georgia soccer since he was 11 years old – as a player, referee, assignor and referee instructor. Born and raised in Woodstock, Ga., he began playing at 11 years old with the Alpharetta YMCA. His passion for refereeing began in 1994 when he was certified as a Grade 8 referee. Since then he has refereed matches all over the United States. In 1998, Joe took the first USSF Assignor Course. In 2009 he became a USSF Referee Instructor.
Joe has a passion for developing referees and helping them reach their goals.
Alyssa Allen
Referee Assignor/Supervisor
Doug Meredith
Referee Assignor/Supervisor
Doug was raised in Savannah, GA, and played all the way up through high school. He first became certified in 1986 and has held his referee license continuously since 2012. Doug became a licensed assignor in 2021. Currently living in Silver Creek, GA, Doug is responsible for MARA events in northwest Georgia and southern Tennessee. He also serves as a referee mentor, working to develop and advance the referee pool across the state of Georgia.
Dan Fancher
Payroll and Schedules
John Herrmann
Referee Assignor
John has been a USSF-certified referee since 2001 and started assigning in 2004. John became a certified referee mentor in 2020.
In the last year, John has assigned for All In FC, Atlanta City FC, JAM Sports (aka Atlanta Social), and Decatur YMCA (DDYSC).
Davis Allen
Referee Assignor/Supervisor
Morgan Allen
Referee Supervisor
David Morrison
Referee Assignor
Teacher by day, assignor by night, and referee on the weekends, a USSF Soccer Official with over eight years of experience, including service with the GHSA. In addition to assigning for local clubs, assignments also include various events for Georgia Soccer and the USYS National League at MOBA Soccer Complex in Peachtree City. Officiated countless matches up to NPSL and USL2 and trained under some of the world’s top referees and mentors. Passionate about giving back to the game by assigning and mentoring referees to grow into top-tier professionals.
Over the last year, David has assigned for BVB International Academy (Peachtree City) and Georgia Revolution (McDonough).
MARA History
Founded in 2015 to meet the growing need for qualified soccer referees in the Metro Atlanta area, the Metro Atlanta Referee Association (MARA) has been serving the local soccer community for over a decade. What began as a small group of passionate referees has grown into a well-respected organization that supports hundreds of officials each season.
MARA was established with the goal of delivering consistent, high-quality officiating to youth and amateur leagues throughout the region. Over the years, we’ve built strong partnerships with clubs, leagues, and state associations and remain committed to developing referees at every level—from grassroots beginners to experienced officials seeking advancement.
Through education, mentorship, and a deep love for the game, MARA continues to elevate the standard of officiating across Metro Atlanta.
Want to Join the MARA Team?
Whether you’re a league looking for reliable referee coverage or an official ready to get on the field, we’re here to support you.
We assign certified referees across Metro Atlanta and help ensure every match is played with fairness and professionalism.
🔗 Contact Us to get started—as a league or a referee.
© 2025 Metro Atlanta Referee Association. All rights reserved.
