Vale Peter Teale
The Association is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Life Member #34 Peter Teale. Peter passed away in a motor vehicle accident on Saturday night. A Life Member of both the Parramatta Referees and then later Group 6 Referees, he had an innate ability to attract the attention of those around him through his warmth and inviting personality, leaving a smile on the faces of anyone he associated with.
A true rugby league man, Peter took up the whistle in 1973. Peter went on to amass over twenty years of active service with Parramatta and, to this day, was a regular attendee of Life Member functions. Always exhibiting a keen interest in the Association’s activities, whilst maintaining an involvement with Group 6.
Throughout his 20+ years as an active member, he took on an impressive range of roles that supported the development, recognition, and smooth running of the Association. Early in his career, he served as Keeper of the Roll in 1977, became the Junior League Delegate in 1979, and represented the Association as an Alternate Delegate to the NSWRLRA in 1982 and 1983. His commitment to community and collegiality was clear through his long involvement in the Social Committee, serving across multiple years from 1978 through to 1997.
Peter reached Junior Reps as an on-field official. A highlight came in 1984 when he was appointed as a touch judge for the Jersey Flegg Grand Final played between Balmain and Penrith at Leichhardt Oval.
Peter also played a major part in key Association committees, contributing to the Darkie McCall Award Committee, Sponsorship Committee, Life Membership Committee, the general Committee, and later the Coaching Panel and Appointments Committee. His on-field achievements were equally noteworthy, highlighted by his appointments as A Grade 1st Division Grand Final Touch Judge in 1978 and again in 1986. Fittingly, he was recognised with the Darkie McCall Award in 1982, reflecting the respect and regard he earned throughout a remarkable career of dedication and service.
As highlighted earlier, in the 1980’s/90’s, Peter served the Association in multiple roles. It was as a member of the Social Committee that Peter’s service was most noted. He worked tirelessly to ensure that events were well run with a great deal of entertainment value and engagement. He did everything he could (even, at the expense of his own humility) to foster the positive ethos of the Association. An integral part of the “Wanka Awards”, Peter never took himself too seriously, even rising out of a coffin as “the Perfect Referee” during a skit at one Life Members’ Evening.
Peter and his wife Kim grew many friendships during their years within the Association. Such friendships demonstrate the power of the refereeing community and how these relationships endure over time and beyond the times spent actively refereeing. Even as recently as this week, Peter was in touch with and partook in golf days with his dearest friends. The likes of the Kellys, Holtons, Allards, and Paolinis.
Peter & Kim opened doors for the Association in 2012, helping establish a referee exchange with Group 6 referees. A group of active referees and a coach travelled to The Oaks with the Group 6 officials, refereeing games at Ringrose Park, Wentworthville. That same year, Kim became a non-active member of Parramatta Referees. Further strengthening their ties with the Association.
In recent years, Peter continued to attend Annual General Meetings, some social functions and provided a great deal of historical photographic content to the 75 Year History Book.
Pivotal in the organisation of social activities for the Association over many years. Peter epitomised a member who fully immersed himself in all that the Association had to offer, both on and off the field. Forever, a South Sydney Rabbitohs tragic and a loveable character, Peter has left an enduring mark on the Parramatta Referees Association. He will be sorely missed by many.
