It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of honorary life member Geoff Gould.
Memorial details will follow, with a wake planned to be at the Windmill in Freshbrook. Please email chair@dorsetandwiltsrefs.org.uk if you plan to attend to help the family plan numbers.
Geoff was a stalwart of Dorset and Wilts Rugby Referees Society. He took up refereeing in the 1980s and routinely attended Society meetings, at which he always liked to put across his views on refereeing. I met him at the meetings and at such events as the Royal Wootton Basset 7s Tournament which he regularly attended.
He refereed with authority and few questioned his decisions on the pitch although many lengthy, and sometimes heated, discussions took place in the bar later. It was in the late 90s he had to stop refereeing due to ill health and he took up advising. He was very conscientious and his debriefing was never brief but spoken from the heart. His reports were produced quickly and efficiently always highlighting the positives and listing key learning points.
Sadly for the past few years he has battled with cancer which eventually beat his determined fighting spirit. It was wonderful that he managed to make this year’s Federation Meeting at which he made a number of points to the speakers. Recently following further surgery he emailed to say he wouldn’t be out advising this season but he hoped to be on the touchline for the next season.
Geoff’s input will be sadly missed by the clubs and referees throughout Dorset and Wilts.
Jim Bischoff (Dorset and Wilts Referee Development and Grading Officer) .