NSWRL was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of revered official, NSWRL Life Member, NSWRL Referees Association Life Member and former touch judge, Ian McCall OAM.
McCall started his career as a player at Penrith before the influence of his father, William ‘Darkie’ McCall saw him pick up the whistle.
He was graded as a referee in 1968 and made his first-grade debut as a touch judge in a 1971 match between Newtown Jets and Balmain Tigers. He went on to build an elite resume as a touch judge, officiating in three Grand Finals, State of Origin and international Test matches.
Outside of officiating, McCall was a teacher at Bankstown Boys High School where he taught former Newtown Jets prop Steve Bowden. Later in his role as a touch judge, he would attempt to break up the brawl between Bowden and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles prop Mark Broadhurst in a 1981 NSWRL Semi-final.
He was the inaugural winner of the William ‘Darkie’ McCall Award in 1981, which is named in honour of his father and presented to a member that exceeds all responsibilities in their contribution to the Parramatta Referees Association over 12 months.
After stepping away from active officiating, McCall worked directly under NSWRL to coach, develop, and coordinate the skills training of first-grade and representative squad touch judges.
He also holds the distinct honour of being the longest-serving chairman for both the Parramatta and NSWRL Referees Associations. He held Life Memberships with both organisations, as well as NSWRL.
He was recognised for his service and legacy as a progressive leader at the NSWRL Referees Association with the creation of the Ian McCall Association Innovation Award to recognise local referee branches that develop outstanding, innovative recruitment or training programs.
NSWRL passes on its sincere condolences to the family and friends of McCall.
