Vince Righi Still Giving Back to SABR and Soccer After 50 Years

A Museum of Memories

At home, Righi has built an archive of memories—from old coaching photos with the local YMCA in 1975 to memorabilia from his refereeing career, which began after completing his first U.S. Soccer Federation coaching course in 1977. He even played one game for FAU in 1979 and took hotel management courses at Cornell that contributed to his degree.

“I still have my first game report from 1975, when I coached the Junior Whoppers and we beat Coral Springs,” he said, proudly adding that he keeps everything in a museum-like fashion.

A Multi Sport Athlete

His collection also includes keepsakes from his athletic days. Righi competed in track and tennis, earning medals in the 100- and 200-meter dashes at the Delray Beach Senior Games in 1989—the year he first became eligible—and other events across South Florida, from Jensen Beach to Broward County.

“I keep everything—even from when I coached at the YMCA. Those kids are 65 now,” he chuckled. “I don’t use a computer. I’m an old-fashioned guy.”

From Italy to Boca Raton

Righi’s love for the game started in Italy, where he played as an amateur and continued while serving in the Navy.

“I was never a great player, but it was always a passion,” he said. “When I moved to Boca, there were only about 25,000 people here. The only decent field was at St. Andrew’s. We’d play with 70 to 80 kids between 6 and 18 through the YMCA. I wasn’t a coach, but I had playing experience. That’s how we became the St. Andrew’s Soccer Club, which eventually became SABR.”

He still bumps into players from those early days. “One became a lawyer, another a CPA, and one was John Whelchel, who was very involved in soccer. His daughter Kristy is in the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame.”

Finding His Calling as a Referee

After taking his USSF coaching course in 1977, Righi scored 84% on the referee portion and shifted to officiating.

“Not bad,” he said. “I still have the certificate.”

He later became an assistant coach at the College of Boca Raton (now Lynn University) in 1979. At the time, his English was limited, and a demanding hotel job led him to step away from coaching before returning three years later.

A Mentor on and off the Field

Since then, Righi has focused on officiating high school games and mentoring young referees in SABR. He still has records from every sanctioned game he’s officiated since 1992.

“In one season, I did 250 games,” Righi said. “I try to teach the younger refs to show up early, dress properly—socks pulled up—and learn positioning and game management. I’m still active, just not as much. After every game, you want to reflect on how you did.

More Time for Soccer After Retirement

Righi retired at 46 from the hotel industry, which gave him more time to referee.

“We used to play matches between hotels—soccer and tennis. I had the time, so I kept refereeing.”

Still Showing Up for the Kids

Brian Behrman, SABR referee assignor, says Righi mainly comes out on Saturdays now.

“He helps the younger kids. It’s cool. He sponsors the award, and he does it all for the kids,” Behrman said. “He doesn’t ref much for us anymore—just a few middle school games.”

A Lasting Legacy

As for his legacy, Righi hopes to be remembered for his love of the game and commitment to keeping players safe by enforcing the rules with fairness and integrity.

“The less visible I was during games, the better,” he said. “I call it being underwater. The best thing is when no one talks about you. If you do your job and prepare mentally and physically, you’ll be fine.”