The Best Referees in the World of Sport

Referees or Umpires tend to be the most odious personalities on any field of any sport. While the players take home all the glory and recognition, it is the humble referee that does the seemingly contemptuous job of delivering unbiased decisions on a customary basis, without any qualms. It is a job where your correct appraisals are given a nonchalant nod and your errors are deemed an act of inhumane terror. Such is the profession of a referee. Demeaning as the job may be, it is perhaps the most important cog in the sports machine, for without an arbiter, chaos is inevitable.

Nevertheless, this sensitive job has not failed to produce stalwarts. This often overlooked occupation has delivered many connoisseurs who have consistently done their jobs to the letter. Let us have look at a few notable ones.

Pierluigi Collina – Football

Bald as a coot, Collina was probably the most established referee in Football. His composed disposition and his innate sense of fairness, among others qualities made him garner unequivocal respect from all people associated with the beautiful game. Testament to the above claims is the fact that he has officiated in several momentous games throughout his career, most notable of which was the World Cup Final ’02 between Germany and Brazil. The Italian has now retired from the sport and works as an economic consultant.

Accolades

- Winner of FFHS’ World’s Best Referee of the Year from 1998-2003.

- Honorary doctorate degree from the University of Hull for his contribution to the World of Sport.

Mohamed Lahyani – Tennis

Known for his perpetual smile and warm-heartedness, Mohamed Lahyani is one of the most admired chair umpires around. You would remember him from the painstakingly long match between Mahut and Isner at Wimbledon, where the chap did not avail a single recess. He also possesses a loud and distinct voice and the most humble nature. All that aside, he is a smart referee with a knack to break tension, and a sharp judgement.

Simon Taufel – Cricket

Some might say this is a mainstream choice, but sometimes mainstream is the most suitable. The Australian is an embodiment of the perfect umpire set in the contemporary world. Having officiated in over 280 games of cricket in varying formats, Taufel is known for his mathematical precision and impassive expressions (expression, rather). Alas, the 41 year has now retired to take over a much subdued role of Umpire Trainer.

Accolades

- Winner of ICC Umpire of the Year from 2004-08.

- Member of the ICC Elite umpire panel, which consists of 11 other members.

Mills Lane – Boxing

4 Apr 2001: Prince Naseem Hamed poses with promoter and referee MIlls Lane before his fight against Marco Antonio Barrera.

Famous for officiating in the Tyson – Holyfield match, Mills Lane was an archetypal old-school referee. His no-nonsense attitude coupled with his great positional sense made him one of the best referees around. His phrase “Let’s get it on” made him a household name in the USA. The American has officiated in about 100 world title fights right from the 70’s till the 90’s. Apart from being a legendary referee, he has donned many hats in his life. Lane had a television show to his name, and not to forget that he was a professional boxer himself.

Bill Klem – Baseball

Bill Klem

Known as the ‘father of baseball umpires’, Bill Klem served Major League Baseball for 37 years (1905-41), a record. He earned the aforementioned title due to his diligence and ideas which bought about significant amendments in to baseball umpiring. He was noted for his neat and revered refereeing. His fervour was such that he continued refereeing till the ripe age of 67.

Accolades

- Holds record for officiating in 18 World Series – 1908, 1909, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1914, 1915, 1917, 1918, 1920, 1922, 1924, 1926, 1929, 1931, 1932, 1934 and 1940.

Honorary Mentions

David Shepherd – Cricket

The most prominent umpire in the cricketing world, David Shepherd is definitely among the top. His jolly demeanour, and his competence on the field led him to become one of the most successful people to don the umpire’s hat.

If it were not for Simon Taufel’s unprecedented sagacity in umpiring, David Shepherd would have surely made it to the primary list.

Jack Taylor – Football

The Englishman is best known for refereeing the 1974 World Cup final between Netherlands and West Germany. His magnificence can be owed to the fact that he has officiated in over 1000 matches in his entire career. Furthermore, the Taylor is an inductee of the FIFA Hall of Fame.

As great as Jack Taylor’s credentials are, they do little to take away the pomp of Collina.

Kenny Bayless – Boxing

The American is a distinct first among the current crop of referees. Bayless has displayed unparalleled control and composition which makes him an automatic selection for the major fights in town. He has had the honour of taking charge over mega fights like Pacquiao vs. Hatton, Oscar de la Hoya vs. Mayweather, and Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto among others.

While Bayless is an epitome of dedication, Lane gets the edge due to his sheer class and splendor.