Our Inaugural Life Members
Sydney West RRA was established on 13 December 2006. Prior to that date, refereeing activities in Sydney’s inner west, western and north western suburbs had been carried out since the early 1960s by members of the Eastwood District Rugby Union Referees’ Association and the Parramatta District Rugby Union Referees' Association. In recognition of their significant contributions to Rugby refereeing across the area we now service, the inaugural meeting resolved that those awarded life membership of either the Eastwood District RURA or the Parramatta District RURA would from that date also be considered life members of Sydney West RRA. The names of those inaugural life members are recorded below.
Eastwood District RURA
Stan Chirgwin (dec'd); Ian Eldred (dec'd); Dick McGee (dec’d); Jim Millen (dec'd); Robin Timmins; Owen Gillard; Bob Watson;
Stan Chirgwin (dec'd); Ian Eldred (dec'd); Dick McGee (dec’d); Jim Millen (dec'd); Robin Timmins; Owen Gillard; Bob Watson;
Parramatta District RURA
Ray Duffy; Jim Gleeson (dec'd); Peter Whyte; Brian Crutcher; George Bennett; Theo Whiting; Ken Lawler; Colin Lawler; Roger Rooms; Philip Bell; David Fahey; Joe Lake; Allan Haidley;
Ray Duffy; Jim Gleeson (dec'd); Peter Whyte; Brian Crutcher; George Bennett; Theo Whiting; Ken Lawler; Colin Lawler; Roger Rooms; Philip Bell; David Fahey; Joe Lake; Allan Haidley;
Our Patron - Stuart Dickinson
Stuart’s refereeing career began as a 12 year old with the Eastwood District Rugby Union Referees' Association. In a career spanning more than 30 years, Stu rose to be ranked in the very top bracket of international Rugby referees. The fact that he spent an amazing 15 years on World Rugby’s elite referee panel is testimony to his dedication, his commitment and his ability.
Stuart was appointed to referee his first international match in 1997 when he was 29 years of age. In the years that followed he refereed 47 test matches and 98 Super Rugby matches—both records for an Australian referee. He also officiated at three Rugby World Cups (1999, 2003 and 2007).
During his long and very successful career, Stu was presented with many honours and awards. In 2009 he won the inaugural Referee of the Year Award at the John Eales Medal evening. In 2010 he was presented with that same award for the second time. He was presented with the Australian Super Rugby Referee of the Year Award on a record seven occasions. In 2002 and again in 2010 Stu was awarded the Dick Byres Medal as Referee of the Year in Sydney Club Rugby.
In September 2011, at the age of 43 years, Stuart announced that he was retiring from refereeing in order to advance his commercial career and to spend more time with his wife and young family.
Despite his busy refereeing and business commitments, Stu has always been willing to share his time and his considerable knowledge and experience with Sydney West members. Sydney West RRA is honoured to have such a respected member of the Rugby community as our Patron.
Stuart was appointed to referee his first international match in 1997 when he was 29 years of age. In the years that followed he refereed 47 test matches and 98 Super Rugby matches—both records for an Australian referee. He also officiated at three Rugby World Cups (1999, 2003 and 2007).
During his long and very successful career, Stu was presented with many honours and awards. In 2009 he won the inaugural Referee of the Year Award at the John Eales Medal evening. In 2010 he was presented with that same award for the second time. He was presented with the Australian Super Rugby Referee of the Year Award on a record seven occasions. In 2002 and again in 2010 Stu was awarded the Dick Byres Medal as Referee of the Year in Sydney Club Rugby.
In September 2011, at the age of 43 years, Stuart announced that he was retiring from refereeing in order to advance his commercial career and to spend more time with his wife and young family.
Despite his busy refereeing and business commitments, Stu has always been willing to share his time and his considerable knowledge and experience with Sydney West members. Sydney West RRA is honoured to have such a respected member of the Rugby community as our Patron.
Awards Presented by Sydney West Rugby Referees’ Association
This page records with pride our award winners since 2007, our first year of operation as Sydney West RRA. Shading indicates that the award in question was either not then in existence or not made or presented in that year.
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Year of Award
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The Chris Cunliffe-Jones Spirit of Rugby Award
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Life Membership of the Association
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NSWRU Zone Referee of the Year
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NSWRU Zone Junior Referee of the Year
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Eastwood District JRU Most Improved Junior Referee
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Clubman of the Year
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2007
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This award was first presented in 2014. Background to it is provided below.
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Our first life memberships were awarded in 2010.
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This award was first presented in 2008.
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Amy Perrett
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This award was first presented in 2008.
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Geoff Barrie
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2008
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John Camp
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Ben Callaghan
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Luke Rogan
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Chris Bradshaw
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2009
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Garry James
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Max Hearn-Sarchfield
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Aidan Whyte
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Bruce Cameron
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2010
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Tony Hackett
Chris Cunliffe-Jones |
Lindsay Spencer
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Luke Rogan
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Hamish Firth
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Peter Smith
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2011
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Luke Rogan
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Charles Cradock
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Brenton Mooney
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Gary Payne
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2012
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Luke Rogan
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Brenton Mooney
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Ryan McCarthy
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Bob Watson
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2013
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Lindsay Spencer
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Daniel Taylor
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Connor McNicol
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Nathan Patroni
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Kieran Lawless
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2014
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George Bennett
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Daniel Taylor
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Hayley Goodacre
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Trent Harvey
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Phil McCrea
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2015
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David " Paddy" Vaughan
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Ian Mooney
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Ryan McCarthy
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Todd Cummings
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Paddy Watts
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2016
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Peter Smith
Paddy Watts |
Ian Mooney
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Harrison Spratt
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Steve Martin
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Grant Briggs
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2017
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John Goh
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Ian Mooney
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Paul Chambiras
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Steve Martin
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Luke Greenland
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Ian Mooney
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2018
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Cliff Dodds
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David Taylor
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Todd Cummings
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Will Taylor
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Julius Ambat
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2019
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Todd Cummings
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Will Taylor
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Jack Larkin
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Callum Winchester
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The Chris Cunliffe-Jones Spirit of Rugby Award
Background
This award recognises the significant contribution made to Rugby by the late Chris Cunliffe-Jones. Chris was a man with amazing generosity of spirit who threw himself wholeheartedly into every task placed before him. He excelled in particular as a referee, referee coach and referee administrator.
Chris’ personal qualities dovetailed perfectly with the principles and core values that underpin and support Rugby. If any one person epitomised the Spirit of Rugby, it would be Chris Cunliffe-Jones.
The Spirit of Rugby
Rugby’s core values and principles are beautifully described in World Rugby’s Playing Charter. The Playing Charter is a checklist against which the behaviour of all involved in the great game of Rugby can be assessed.
The following brief quotes are drawn from the Playing Charter:-
Rugby is valued as a sport for men and women, boys and girls. It builds teamwork, understanding, co-operation and respect for fellow athletes. Its cornerstones are, as they always have been: the pleasure of participating; the courage and skill which the Game demands; the love of a team sport that enriches the lives of all involved; and the lifelong friendships forged through a shared interest in the Game.”
A Little About Chris Cunliffe-Jones
Only a very special few will ever embrace Rugby’s core values as wholeheartedly — or live them as fully and completely — as Chris Cunliffe-Jones. Guided by his strong personal code of ethics, his commitment to community service and his sincere interest in the development and welfare of all around him, Chris embodied all that is good in sport and in mankind.
Chris’ occupations encompassed everything from Corrective Services Officer to Company Secretary to CEO of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme in Australia. He worked tirelessly and diligently on behalf of the association as our Appointments Officer, VP Refereeing Operations and Secretary. In everything that he did, this wonderful man’s humanity and caring attitude shone through and set him apart.
Sadly, Chris suffered a series of heart attacks in April 2013 while holidaying overseas with his wife, Jane. Although able to be medically stabilised and returned to Australia, Chris’ body had been severely compromised and his health deteriorated. The last few weeks of his life were extremely difficult for him and his family. Chris passed away peacefully on 17 October 2013 with his loved ones by his side.
About the Chris Cunliffe-Jones Spirit of Rugby Award
The award is organised and sponsored by Sydney West RRA.
Subject to a deserving winner being identified, it is envisaged that the award will be presented annually. As a result of the high standard the association has set for this award, there may on occasions be a year or years in which it is not presented.
Nominations will be sought from the four referee associations that service metropolitan Sydney. All nominations received will be considered.
The final selection will be made by the Sydney West RRA Management Committee.
The winner of the award will be formally announced and the award presented at the Sydney West RRA End of Season Presentation Night.
Selection Criteria for the Award
In addition to making a positive contribution to Rugby — and in particular to refereeing, referee coaching and referee administration — it is expected that those being considered as potential nominees for this award will demonstrate some or all of the personal qualities Chris Cunliffe-Jones exhibited in his lifetime. Included here would be such things as:-
This award recognises the significant contribution made to Rugby by the late Chris Cunliffe-Jones. Chris was a man with amazing generosity of spirit who threw himself wholeheartedly into every task placed before him. He excelled in particular as a referee, referee coach and referee administrator.
Chris’ personal qualities dovetailed perfectly with the principles and core values that underpin and support Rugby. If any one person epitomised the Spirit of Rugby, it would be Chris Cunliffe-Jones.
The Spirit of Rugby
Rugby’s core values and principles are beautifully described in World Rugby’s Playing Charter. The Playing Charter is a checklist against which the behaviour of all involved in the great game of Rugby can be assessed.
The following brief quotes are drawn from the Playing Charter:-
- Integrity: Integrity is central to the fabric of the Game and is generated through honesty and fair play.
- Passion: Rugby people have a passionate enthusiasm for the Game. Rugby generates excitement, emotional attachment and a sense of belonging to the global Rugby family.
- Solidarity: Rugby provides a unifying spirit that leads to lifelong friendships, camaraderie, teamwork and loyalty which transcends cultural, geographic, political and religious differences.
- Discipline: Discipline is an integral part of the Game, both on and off the field, and is reflected through adherence to the Laws, the Regulations and Rugby’s core values.
- Respect: Respect for team mates, opponents, match officials and those involved in the Game is paramount.
Rugby is valued as a sport for men and women, boys and girls. It builds teamwork, understanding, co-operation and respect for fellow athletes. Its cornerstones are, as they always have been: the pleasure of participating; the courage and skill which the Game demands; the love of a team sport that enriches the lives of all involved; and the lifelong friendships forged through a shared interest in the Game.”
A Little About Chris Cunliffe-Jones
Only a very special few will ever embrace Rugby’s core values as wholeheartedly — or live them as fully and completely — as Chris Cunliffe-Jones. Guided by his strong personal code of ethics, his commitment to community service and his sincere interest in the development and welfare of all around him, Chris embodied all that is good in sport and in mankind.
Chris’ occupations encompassed everything from Corrective Services Officer to Company Secretary to CEO of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme in Australia. He worked tirelessly and diligently on behalf of the association as our Appointments Officer, VP Refereeing Operations and Secretary. In everything that he did, this wonderful man’s humanity and caring attitude shone through and set him apart.
Sadly, Chris suffered a series of heart attacks in April 2013 while holidaying overseas with his wife, Jane. Although able to be medically stabilised and returned to Australia, Chris’ body had been severely compromised and his health deteriorated. The last few weeks of his life were extremely difficult for him and his family. Chris passed away peacefully on 17 October 2013 with his loved ones by his side.
About the Chris Cunliffe-Jones Spirit of Rugby Award
The award is organised and sponsored by Sydney West RRA.
Subject to a deserving winner being identified, it is envisaged that the award will be presented annually. As a result of the high standard the association has set for this award, there may on occasions be a year or years in which it is not presented.
Nominations will be sought from the four referee associations that service metropolitan Sydney. All nominations received will be considered.
The final selection will be made by the Sydney West RRA Management Committee.
The winner of the award will be formally announced and the award presented at the Sydney West RRA End of Season Presentation Night.
Selection Criteria for the Award
In addition to making a positive contribution to Rugby — and in particular to refereeing, referee coaching and referee administration — it is expected that those being considered as potential nominees for this award will demonstrate some or all of the personal qualities Chris Cunliffe-Jones exhibited in his lifetime. Included here would be such things as:-
- A love of Rugby and the people and organisations upon whom its existence depends.
- A well-rounded and balanced lifestyle enabling life to be lived to the fullest.
- A strong commitment to community service.
- The ability to bring people of diverse backgrounds and opinions together.
- A positive and enthusiastic outlook.
- A respectful, courteous and caring attitude.
- The ability to promote positive and constructive relationships.
Sydney West Rugby Referees’ Association Inc. :: Office-Bearers by Season
The association acknowledges with gratitude the contributions made by each of the members mentioned below.
NOTE: For the 2007 to 2013 seasons the portfolio now known as Registration & Accreditation was called Refereeing Operations. Following transfer of the referee appointment function to the NSWRU Office, the name of that portfolio was changed to Registration & Accreditation so as to more precisely describe the operational areas and activities for which that office-bearer has responsibility.
