Vale John Dennis
Over the weekend, the Association received the sad news that Life Member #42 John Dennis had passed away. Affectionately known as “JD” by all within the Parramatta Referees’ Association, he will be sorely missed. He had a positive and widespread impact on refereeing within the Parramatta District.
On the field, JD was a highly respected and successful touch judge. Speaking to numerous former referees during his time, they speak of the comfort that they had in knowing (as John would say when he gave a report) that “JD is here”. One Life Member has been quoted saying that “If you wanted to know the truth on how you were going in a particular match, having JD there, he would give you it straight up and down”. It was his honesty and exceptional qualities as a team member that led to him officiating in seven A Grade 1st Division Grand Finals as a touch judge.
Off the field, John’s contribution to the Association was immense. He received Life Membership in 1988 and continued to serve with distinction up until his health prevented him from doing so in recent years. He will be most known for his extended period as Assistant Treasurer, a role that prior to today’s software was a very tedious one that involved checking line for line appointments, costs and figures. He also served in a litany of coaching and appointment panel roles for a considerable amount of time. Many of our referees will recall his particular attention to detail around the marker area in mini-mod football.
JD’s full record of service:
- Joined 1977
- Social Committee 1979
- Auditor 1985, 1986
- Assistant Treasurer 1988 – 1999 & 2001 – 2010
- Appointments Board 1997
- Management Committee 2002
- Appointments Committee 2002
- Appointments Panel 2002
- Senior Appointments Panel 2003 – 2016 & 2018 – 2020
- Junior Appointments Panel 2006 – 2013, 2016 & 2020
- Coaching & Development Committee 2021, 2022 & 2023 (co-opted)
- A Grade Grand Final Touch Judge 1979, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1990, 1991 & 1995
On the social side of things, JD was always good for a laugh whether it be poking fun at others or himself. In the 80’s and 90’s he was central to the convivial atmosphere of social events such as the Prawn and Cracker Night. He was a perennial winner of the “Storm Boy” Award in the mid 2010’s for some of his more entertaining blow ups as a member of the Appointments Panel.
JD was not only well known and well respected amongst the Association but was asynonymous across the wider district. Many of the older lads across many of the local clubs remember sharing good times and a beer with JD.
It would be an absolute rarity for a weekend to go by without JD being out at a district ground with his notepad in hand and his duffle bag by his side. A record-breaking touch judge at district level, his contribution on and off the field cannot be understated.
The Association extends its heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Compiled by Daniel Luttringer
