November 2007
Some of the best conversations the editors have had — and some of our best features — have involved lists. One of our more challenging compilations identified the people who were most influential in shaping and maintaining the officiating industry.
We started early in the year with a list of more than 100 names. Much debate over the course of several months left us with 52. They spanned several decades and included those who made their mark as an official or as attorneys, coordinators, rulemakers, innovators and pioneers.
To us, the story was more than a who’s who; it was a celebration of the industry. You’ll find many polls of who sportswriters, fans, players and coaches believe are the worst officials. But only Referee would celebrate those who truly made a difference.
- 2000s