Referee of the Year Nominees
David Goodwin – Nominated by Josh Rohr
I would like to nominate David Goodwin (GA) as Referee of the Year. As a National Referee, Mr. Goodwin has made himself
available at almost every national meet that has been held in the south over the past few years. In addition, he makes himself
available at almost every local meet that is hosted in Georgia year in and year out, regardless of whether or not there are
enough other referees present to set American Records. On top of that, he is usually the first one there to help set up at meets
and the last one to leave after tear down. He is not asked to do this, but instead chooses to give back in every way imaginable.
Another aspect of Mr. Goodwin's service is his mentoring of first time lifters. One example happened as recently as this past
weekend (April 23). We held a small local meet in GA. There was a teenage lifter that showed up without a singlet. Instead of
just telling the lifter that he could not lift without a singlet, Mr. Goodwin helped him look up sporting goods stores in the area
so that the lifter could go to the store and purchase a singlet and therefore compete. This lifter was clearly not prepared (based
on his attempt selection and lack of knowledge of the rules) but afterwards, both this teenage lifter and his father came up to
me (meet director) and commented how much they appreciated Mr. Goodwin's assistance throughout the entire event. Many
referees in the midst of weigh-ins and such get caught up in the chaos and may overlook a situation like this as an opportunity
to make a positive, lasting impression on a young lifter. I have had many e-mails or phone calls from first time athletes over
the years with similar stories about Mr. Goodwin.
Sitting in the chair and donating time is huge. However, I think the qualities that Mr. Goodwin brings to USA Powerlifting go
way beyond that of just being a referee. In 2011, Georgia began giving out a "Volunteer of the Year" award. Mr. Goodwin was
the inaugural recipient of this award. In 2012, it was pretty unanimous that he should win it again but he insisted that it should
be given to someone else. Mr. Goodwin is humble in his giving back and never expects anything in return.
It is my pleasure to nominate Mr. David Goodwin as USA Powerlifting's Referee of the Year.
Sincerely,
Josh Rohr
Lynn Homan – Nominated by Christy Cardella
Receiving her IPF certification and having a great year all around as well as helping out at almost every meet in Texas.
Tonya Lambeth – Nominated by John Buford
Tonya has judged numerous National meets including both High School and Collegiate Nationals this year and last. She is also
the state chair for Wisconsin and plays a large role in the Wisconsin High School powerlifting association. She is an excellent
referee and more importantly is willing to lend a hand in powerlifting meets in any capacity to make sure they run smoothly