Esse Baharmast is a well-respected former FIFA international referee who is the Director of Referees for Colorado Soccer Association (CSA). Esse provides expert knowledge, advice, mentoring and support to CSA’s growing referee program.
Esse has an extensive list of accomplishments. Not only did Esse officiate the first MLS match on April 6, 1996, but he also served as referee in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta and in the 1998 World Cup in France. He has served as Director of Referees for US Soccer, was a member of CONCACAF Referees’ Committee and still serves as a FIFA instructor today. As a FIFA instructor, Esse has supported the instruction and preparation of referees at various FIFA tournaments, including 3 Olympics in: Beijing, London and Rio, as well as 2006, 2010, and 2014 World Cups in Germany, South Africa and Brazil.
Esse is thrilled to be helping the referees in Colorado, where he can put all of his knowledge and experience to work. “Before I became a referee, I was a player and a coach.”, says Esse, who holds a National B Coaching License from US Soccer. “Having walked in the player’s, coach’s and referee’s shoes, I have the ability to see situations from all three points of view. I have empathy and respect for each position and understand what each goes through.”
