An Architect of the Game: Honoring Rick Hofmann

A Legacy of Resilience:

Celebrating 25 Years of Rick Hofmann’s Leadership

In the world of adaptive sports, some people play the game, while others build the stadium. For the last quarter century, Rick Hofmann has done both. As he officially retires from the American Amputee Soccer Association (AASA) Board of Directors this December, we look back on a tenure that transformed a gathering of enthusiasts into a structured, global movement.

From the Track to the Pitch

Rick’s athletic journey began long before he discovered amputee soccer. A high school cross country runner and college soccer player, he even completed a marathon in 1986. However, his life took a drastic turn when a motorcycle accident resulted in the loss of his right leg. This happened 21 years after returning home safely from Vietnam, a bit of irony that Rick often notes.

In 1997, "encouraged" by friends and family to attend an amputee soccer demonstration, Rick found more than just a sport. He found a calling. He saw the "power of the game" to retrieve souls, restore self-confidence, and allow amputees to sweat, compete, and belong to a team again.

Building the Foundation

When Rick joined the leadership in 2000, the American game lacked formal structure. Rick changed that. Serving as President from 2000 to 2020, he provided the organizational "bones" that the AASA stands on today. His list of "firsts" is staggering:

• Legal Architect: He wrote the first U.S. Constitution and By-Laws and secured our 501c3 non-profit status.

• Global Delegate: He was one of two Americans at the founding convention of the first international amputee soccer organization in Moscow in 1998.

• Rules of Play: He co-wrote the first international Laws of the Game.

• Digital Pioneer: He launched the very first Amputee Soccer website in 1998.

  
  

A Global Vision

Rick’s influence extended far beyond U.S. borders. He served as the Secretary General and later the President of the World Amputee Football Federation (WAFF). From navigating complex visa issues with the Ukrainian government to ensuring the 2000 World Cup in Seattle moved forward despite funding threats, Rick was the glue that kept the international community together through "some very rough times."

Perhaps most importantly, Rick was a champion for inclusivity, formally proposing the development of Women’s Amputee Soccer as early as 2000.

A Family Beyond the Field

Despite the titles and the "administrivia," Rick’s heart has always been with the people. He notes that looking back, the most rewarding part has been the "world-wide family." Regardless of race, language, or background, the photos in his archives show one consistent thing: people on the pitch smiling and having fun.

Rick may be retiring from the Board, but as he says, he is "never retired from the game." We look forward to seeing him in the stands in Poland and beyond.

Thank you, Rick, for 25 years of vision, grit, and heart. You didn't just help us play soccer; you helped us find ourselves again.