The Ellie Hasan Award honors COA officials who have demonstrated exceptional
dedication to mentoring, supporting, and developing sports officials while
advancing the mission and values of the Central Officials Association.

About the Award

In 1967, the COA lost one of its most dedicated and passionate members with the
passing of Ellie Hasan. Ellie was one of the founding members of the Central
Officials Association and played an influential role in shaping the organization
we know today.

Ellie had a distinguished officiating career, including twenty years as a Field
Judge in the Big Ten Conference and as a basketball official in the Missouri
Valley Conference, after many years at the high school level. He traveled the
world with the Harlem Globetrotters and had three audiences with the Pope.

Ellie was a generous mentor who took great pride in helping new officials and
giving back to the association that supported him throughout his career. He is
credited with advancing the officiating careers of many of COA’s most
accomplished members.

In recognition of his lasting impact, the COA created the Ellie Hasan Award in
1968. This award is presented annually to an individual who exemplifies Ellie’s
commitment to assisting, developing, supporting, and mentoring sports officials.