At the recent New South Wales Rugby League Referees Association's Presentation evening, Parramatta Referees' Patron Ian McCall was presented with the prestigious Eric Cox Medal.

Ian McCall has been a tireless and self-motivated contributor to the NSWRLRA over many years. His commitment and fervour toward all activities undertaken on behalf of the Association, is indicative of the fact that he would always strive to attain the very best outcome for the NSWRLRA and refereeing in general.

Ian has had a distinguished career both on-field and as an administrator. In a 26 year active refereeing career, Ian reached the pinnacle as a Touch Judge with the following appointments:
Great Britain v Australia Test Matches 1979 and 1984
Queensland v New South Wales State of Origin 1981
Winfield Cup First Grade Grand Finals 1980, 1981 and 1984

Ian McCall's record as an administrator is equally as impressive:
President PDRLRA 1971-1984 (14 years)
President NSWRLRA 1985-2000 (16 years)
Chairman ARLRA 1999-2000 (2 years)

Ian played an integral role in the formation of the ARLRA and was appointed as the inaugural chairman of the Association in 1999. He has given so selflessly of himself over many years for the betterment of the NSWRLRA and refereeing in general terms. Ian's performance as an administrator over many years is a benchmark for those who follow to endeavour to emulate.

There are a number of accolades, which Ian has received that he is truly deserving of:
Life Member PDRLRA 1975
Life Member NSWRLRA 1984
Life Member NSWRL 1995
Life Member ARLRA 2002
Australian Sports Medal 2000
Eric Cox Medal 2011

Ian has also maintained involvement and a connection with the Parramatta Referees' Association. He has consistently attended meetings and provided assistance and support where possible. Ian's extensive refereeing knowledge and experience has been invaluable, in assisting with the development and encouragement of new referees' coming through the ranks. Ian is also Patron of the Parramatta Referees' Association. We at Parramatta Referees' are truly fortunate to have someone of Ian's calibre willing to support and assist the Association wherever possible.

There are countless achievements in Rugby League refereeing which are synonymous with Ian McCall. He is a truly deserving recipient of the Eric Cox Medal for clearly well in excess of 20 years continued outstanding service to the NSWRLRA.

Congratulations Ian.

At the recent New South Wales Rugby League Referees Association's Presentation evening, Parramatta's Director of Referees Ken McNaught was presented with the prestigious Denis Braybrook Award.

The Dennis Braybrook Award is presented each year to a member of one of New South Wale's affiliate associations who has gone on and above the call of duty to develop refereeing within their district. Ken was named joint winner for 2011 after several highly successful seasons on the coaching panel, appointments panels and as the Director of Refereeing and Development in Parramatta. Ken was presented with the shield by Martin Meredith (pictured) from the NSW Rugby League Academy.

This award is testament to Ken's commitment and dedication to his fellow referees. This honour comes shortly after receiving the Kevin Jeffes Coach of the Year award in Parramatta for 2011.

Congratulations on your achievement Ken, it is well deserved recognition for your tireless efforts. Many in the association owe thanks to you for their continued improvement. Your efforts are much appreciated by all in the association.

On 12 June 2011, Bernard Biala was formally welcomed as a Life Member of Parramatta District Rugby League Referees Association.

Bernard joined the association in mid 1998, and has been an active member for 13 years now. Among his on field achievements, none is more apparent than his A1 Grand Final touch line appointments.

Three members have done 7 touch lines - Ken Beahan, John Dennis and Bernard Biala. However only Bernard has completed 7 in a row. His first A1 Grand Final 2004, and his efforts were rewarded with an invitation to join the Junior Representative squad, where he was a member until 2007, retiring from representative officiating to spend more time with his young family.

He was appointed to touch judge the Harrold Matthews Grand Final in 2006. Interestingly enough, his best grand final appearance as a referee was last season refereeing the Under 16 Division 1 Grand final. While he is applauded as a Touch Judge, as a referee, he is strong, smart, has a good rapport with the players and is a safe pair of hands.

In 2006 he joined the Recruitment & Retention Committee and has remained on that committee to date, taking over webmaster responsibilities in 2010.

In 2009, he became the Training & Skills Co-ordinator. He has successfully mixed hard training with a more scientific approach, including pilates, boxing and even yoga. As a result, attendances at training are at record highs.

He has been a member of the Social Committee since 2009, Auditor in 2010 and this season became the association's Assistant Treasurer.

This impressive CV is the reason why he was named the 2009 William "Darkie" McCall Award recipient and the 2010 Kevin Jeffes Award for Coach of the Year.

Jarrad Whitby was named the winner of the 2010 William "Darkie" McCall Award for services to the association. This is the 30th time the award has been presented.

Jarrad was the first Director of Finance & Sponsorship under our new executive structure.

Jarrad has used his strengths to better facilitate sponsorship, and develop proper sponsorship guidelines. As a result of his work, the association enjoys relationships with Clark Equipment, Kooga, Parkroyal Parramatta, Outback Steakhouse and Sneakers Sports.

Jarrad joined the association 6 years ago when he moved to the area from Wagga. He has played a very strong part to ensure that association fundraising has been successful, including acquisition of prizes and donations.

He also introduced processes for financial administration that ensured that most debtors were paid quickly, and that audit of accounts would be simplified. He also played a leadership role within the association, and played a primary part in fostering good relations with PDRL CEO Paul Osborne.

Jarrad now joins such names as Ian McCall, Kevin Jeffes, Ernie Bull, Max Dunn, Alan Pollock, Ken McNaught and the newest Life Member, Bernard Biala.