Perpeptual Awards

DARKIE MCCALL SERVICE AWARD

The William ‘Darkie’ McCall Award was first presented in 1981 to Ian McCall. Ian’s father William was an early pioneer of the Association. The award is presented annually at the Life Members’ & Presentation Evening to a member that has exceeded all responsibilities in their contribution to the Association during the previous twelve months. The award is voted on by the Executive via a secret ballot. Candidates are assessed for their attendance, improvement, demeanour and special acts.

JACK ARGENT – PATRONS TROPHY

In 1982, the Jack Argent Trophy was established. It would be later known as the Patron’s Trophy. Jack Argent was a Parramatta Club stalwart and Honorary Member for Life of the Parramatta Referees’ Association. He served as Patron of the Association from 1986 up until his passing in 2004. In 1989, the Association honoured Jack with the aforementioned award of Honorary Life Membership. The Patron’s Trophy has historically been presented to the Referee who officiates the A Grade 1st Division Grand Final, the match considered to be the District’s highest appointment. 

KEVIN JEFFES – COACH OF THE YEAR

Kevin Jeffes was a Life Member of the Parramatta, NSW and Australian Referees’ Associations. He joined Parramatta Referees’ in the 1950’s, quickly rising through the ranks on the field to grade and immediately showing a willingness to contribute to all aspects of refereeing. His on-field career took him as high as test match status as a Touch Judge. Kevin was awarded Life Membership at Parramatta in 1961. During his time with the Association he served as a Referees’ Coach, Secretary (1982-1991) and was the Association’s Patron throughout the early stages of the 21st century. In honour of his dedication to developing referees, the Association was donated a plaque to use as the “Kevin Jeffes Coach of the Year” Award. It was fitting that the first recipient of the award was Ken McNaught in 2009. Ken’s dedication to the role of Director of Refereeing & Development cannot be matched.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

The Rookie of the Year Award was first presented in 2007. The award recognises a referee who has excelled in their first full season in refereeing; thereby establishing themselves as a noted member of the Association. The recipient applies themselves appropriately to training, meetings and on-field facets of the Association. They go above their calling as a referee and demonstrate the qualities that will help them develop into a first class match official. The inaugural winner of the award was Gavin Role, since that time, a number of the recipients have gone on to referee at high levels within the district, some of which have also gone onto represent the Association in inter-district competitions

JOHN ROE – JUNIOR OF THE YEAR

The Junior Achievement Award otherwise known as the Junior Referee of the Year Award was first presented in 1982. After the sudden passing of long-term life member, John Roe the Junior of the year award was dedicated to the late John Roe. John played an integral part in the association for upwards of 20 years. He had an interest in the development of our junior referees, believing that the continued success of the association relied on the ‘next generation’. John had served multiple years as an active referee, member of the executive, coaching staff, appointments panel and other sub committees within the association.

The inaugural recipient was Wayne Howarth. Wayne is also the leading recipient of the award, winning it three times in total. The award is voted upon by the Junior Appointments Panel, taking into consideration those junior referees that have shown great improvement and therefore deemed to be the best performed throughout the course of the year.

BOB JONES – SENIOR MOST IMPROVED

JUNIOR MOST IMPROVED

In 2022 the award named "Most Improved' was split into the Senior Most Improved & Junior Most Improved.

ERNIE BULL – TRAINER OF THE YEAR

In 2003, Stephen Ellison was presented with the inaugural “Trainer of the Year” Award. Subsequent to the passing of Ernie Bull, this award was appropriately renamed the “Ernie Bull Trainer of the Year” Award and presented to Barry Cummins in 2004. Ernie Bull joined the Parramatta Referees’ Association in the early 1960’s.

Ernie was a long time servant of the Association, giving more than 40 years of service up until his passing in 2004. He spent large periods of times in the roles of Trainer and as the Appointment Board Secretary. His contribution was recognised in 1976 when he was elevated to the status of Life Member. Ernie served as the Association’s Trainer from 1985 to 1987. The legacy that he has left for refereeing in Parramatta can be seen today with the number of members whom he developed, still giving back to the Association.

REFEREE’S REFEREE MEDAL

Since 2007, the Association’s active referees have voted on a 3, 2, 1 basis to determine who they believe is the Referees’ Referee. The award recognises a member who is a leader both on and off the field. Aspects such as on-field performance, participation at training, leadership and the referee’s demeanour culminate in the determination of the Referees’ Referee. Current NRL member Zbigniew Przeklasa-Adamski was the inaugural recipient of the award in 2007. This award is considered as one of the most prestigious awards with the winner having the satisfaction of being voted as a worthy recipient by his or her peers. To be recognised by your peers is one of the most satisfactory honours to be bestowed on an active referee.

SENIOR TOUCH JUDGE OF THE YEAR AWARDS

The cessation of the NRL Senior Achievement Award left the Association with an opportunity to create a new award which focuses on the efforts of a senior and junior member of the Association. The Association has had a proud history of producing first class touch judges at all levels within rugby league. It can be said that the Association has failed to recognise the quality of the touch judging we have in any formal manner. Long term Director of Refereeing & Development and Life Member, Ken McNaught donated these awards to the Association which honours and recognises the efforts of a senior and junior member who have displayed strong touch judging ability over the course of the year. The award is determined by the Coaching & Develsopment Committee.

JUNIOR TOUCH JUDGE OF THE YEAR AWARDS

KASEY BADGER FEMALE REFEREE OF THE YEAR

Kasey Badger started her refereeing journey with Parramatta Referees in 2004. She developed her craft in Parramatta before being graded in 2011 after refereeing the SG Ball Grand Final. Kasey made her NRL debut on the touchline in 2015. In 2022, she became the very first female to referee an International rugby league game when she refereed the World Cup Tonga vs Wales fixture. Kasey is a pioneer in rugby league, having become one of the first ever female referees to officiate a first grade rugby league game in 2023.

The Kasey Badger Female Referee of the Year Award recognises a female member who has excelled in their refereeing throughout the season on & off the field.