Leo Randle

child due in early April. I love you Ness, thanks heaps! I couldn’t do it without you.

Finally, I have decided to not seek re election as secretary for the upcoming season. I have also decided to retire as an active Referee. Although my stay at Secretary was short, I have enjoyed it immensely and endured the challenges. Although my heart tells me to continue with the job, practicality steps in and says it’s just not possible. In 2005, I would be starting a new coordinators position at a new school which requires a lot of dedication. I also have a new child on the way and moved out west to Quakers Hill. I would still love to be involved with the association in some way however I do feel Vanessa needs my time more than the association and for this I need to be less selfish.

I would like to thank the executive and committee for their help and friendship and I would also like to thank those members who supported me whilst I was in this position. Hopefully I will see you all around for a long time to come.

Chris Bettiol Secretary 2004

VALE VALE VALE VALE

The Canterbury – Bankstown Rugby League Referees Association extends its deepest sympathy to those that have lost loved ones in 2004 We would also like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of:

Leo Randle (Life member CBDRLRA) Stan Williams (Life member CBDRLRA) Mr. Thompson (Michael Thompson’s father)

LEO RANDLE

“The Godfather” (written by Paul Archer)

Leo was born on 20th December, 1914 at Werris Creek, the 3rd son to George and Lenora Randle. He had two elder brothers William and George.

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Leo’s early childhood was in Werris Creek where he recalled growing up with his family. He recalled the cold winters and had vivid memories of his dad “chopping off chooks heads” to provide for Sunday dinners for the family.

In the mid 20’s the Randle family left Werris Creek and moved to Newcastle and settled in Hamilton. Leo commenced playing rugby league in the late 20’s. Leo’s life was with the NSW Department of Railways, he joined them as junior Laborer on 30th January, 1933.

Whilst living in Newcastle, Leo and his brothers would regularly attend Saturday night dances. One night he asked a young lady Amy to dance and after courting her they were Wed at Maryfield Methodist Church on 21st August, 1937.

Due to shift work, Leo gave away playing footy but a work mate was a referee and they use to talk about the laws of the game. Eventually Leo decided to sit for the Referees exam. Leo recalled that in those days, if you wanted your State badge, you had to pay for an examiner to travel from Sydney and pay all their costs. He laughed as he did pay for his ticket.

Refereeing in Newcastle in the 1930’s was not an easy task as all games from Under 16’s to first grade were played on open fields. Tough games played in tough conditions. Leo explained it was not uncommon to arrive at a ground and see it covered with horse or cow droppings. These objects were often used by spectators. Leo stated in his usual dry wit, “it was not uncommon for him to be in the shit!”.

Due to a promotion at work, Leo and Amy had to make a decision on whether to move to the “big smoke”. The decision was easy as Amy was pregnant and the extra cash was needed.

In 1942, the Randles moved to Sydney and soon settled at 6 Bagdad street, Regents Park. Here their only child Ray was born. It would become the Randles home for the next 62 years.

Leo joined the Canterbury Bankstown Referees Association on 4th June, 1945. Little did the association realize that this new member would eventually become a legend in our ranks. He was affectionately to become known as the “Godfather”of the Association.

Leo refereed the C Grade Grand final in 1948 was selected to trial for Grade the next year. He was appointed a trial match but unfortunately had work commitments. However, that didn’t stop Leo and took a sickie so he could referee that match. Leo’s boss very quickly found out about Leo’s doings but lucky for Leo the match involved Balmain and they had won. Leo’s boss was a Balmain supporter, and was forgiven almost immediately.

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Leo was graded and he was amongst a long list of outstanding touch judges that this association has produced. Leo was very much against the recent changing of the name from “Touch Judge” to “sideline official” that the NRL has initiated. Leo’s exact words were that it was “Crap!”

Leo was a Touch Judge for an NSW vs England match in 1954 which was refereed by fellow Canterbury member in Jack O’Brien. In 1955, Leo was again a “touchie”in a NSW vs. QLD fixture.

In 1954 Leo was presented with Life membership of this association. An honour that he was very proud of. Leo Randle was vice president for 3 years until he became President of this association in 1957 before vacating the chair after the 1962 season.

Leo was always quietly proud of achievements during his term as President: - the introduction of Life member blazers - the introduction of new social functions - the introduction of the Doubles Committee (to pay for the blazers)

Leo retired from grade at the end of 1962 when again a promotion at work would limit his time.

In all Leo worked for the railways for 41 years, he explained to me that in those days you could retire from his workplace at 60. Therefore on his 60th birthday, 20th December 1974, Leo retired from the workforce. When asked whether he was sorry that he retired so early, he stated with wit, “Now he could concentrate on Amy, Bowls and Reschs”. He did love his Reschs!.

Leo had a long enjoyable retirement; he loved his Bowls and was heavily involved with the Regents Park Bowling club. He used to frequently talk about Amy and his annual bowling holiday to Bribie Island near Brisbane. In fact one of his wishes was for some of his friends to visit Bribie Island. Leo had many fond memories of his long association with the refs both on and off the field. He still attended meetings of the association when his health allowed, he also was a frequent attendee at social functions over the years and always had a story to tell or a joke to tell at Life members reunions.

His life changed when Amy passed away on the 5th September 1995 and this left a void in Leo’s life, they had been married for 58 years.

In recent years Leo’s eyesight and health had deteriorated, he had spent several periods in hospital, but his great wish was to return to his beloved home in Bagdad street. When a few phone calls to some members to help clean up at Leo’s, it was so pleasing to see fellow members always available. Leo Randle was held in the highest regard by his fellow members. Leo was very appreciative

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of the assistance he received. Unfortunately, Leo’s son Raymond passed away a couple of years ago and both his brothers had also passed away. Leo had no family but he was proud of his friendships. The last 18 months Leo spent in was at Weeroona Village.

In January 1998, the Committee of the Referees decided to introduce a trophy for lengthy distinguished service to the Association. It was an easy decision to name the trophy, “The Leo Randle trophy”. Paul Archer had the task of speaking to Leo and seeking his permission to use his name. He refused; he was always a humble person. Paul eventually persuaded Leo of the respect the members had for him and it was appropriate to name the trophy after him, he was very emotional.

Leo appreciated the support he received from his many friends in the Referees Association, his great mate Jack Harvey was also there for Leo when the need arose, you could not find a better friend than Jack. In fact Jack visited Leo the morning of his passing doing a job for Leo, if we all had friends the caliber of Jack Harvey we would all be lucky people. Leo also was grateful for the regular visits he received. Glenn Jeffcoat, Arthur King, Joe Attard, Kim Archer and even the Archer’s dog “Toby”and others visited Leo and helped keep his spirits high and his mind sharp. The professional advice given by Michael Chahoud and Colin Turnell was greatly appreciated by Leo.

Leo Randle was a wonderful, kind and thoughtful person, even when he was unwell he would always be interested in what was happening with the Refs and in our own lives. Paul Archer recalls an occasion with Leo when he became President in 1996: “I went up to Leo, he congratulated me and in the next breath said “What beer do you drink?” I said “I usually drink Light”, he replied, “Its not helping you!, get onto Reschs!”. He went on to explain that as President I had control over what beer we should have at social functions.

Paul Archer goes on: He had a great wit and I feel fortunate to have had the chance to form a friendship with him. In fact over the past couple of months I talked to Leo about some problems with the Association and his advice was always spot on. The day before he passed away I visited him, he obviously was unwell. We discussed the Bulldogs victory the night before which put them into the Grand Final that pleased him. He would have been even more pleased to have been around to see them take out the premiership. He was aware that I was fortunate enough to have been presented with the Leo Randle trophy, and his words will stay with me forever.

When I was leaving on my last visit with him my last words to Leo were “I’ll see you later in the week”, he replied, “I hope so”, I think we both knew.

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It was a great privilege for us all to have known Leo Randle, this association was much better for having him as a member, we were better people for having Leo in our lives and now I am sure Heaven is all the better for having Leo there.

Leo passed away peacefully on Monday afternoon, 27th September 2004 to join the love of his life – Amy.

He may be gone but rest assured Leo will never be forgotton by anyone who knew him. He was a great individual, quietly spoken, a large frame and very large heart of Gold. “Good bye mate”, May he rest in peace.

At a meeting during April in 2004, I had the opportunity to conduct a short interview with Leo. It was also featured in a newsletter, but I thought it was very fitting for it to be re published in this section of the annual report dedicated to Leo. My apologies if some of the information has been repeated from Paul Archer’s article.

WHEN AND WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO TAKE UP REFEREEING? I started in Newcastle in 1936 and moved to Canterbury due to work as a electrical engineer. I worked with a Referee in Newcastle and he use to quiz me each day on the rules. It got me interested and so I became one. Also I had to give up playing as I had to go to Tech College 4 days a week. When I turned 21, I went shift work. R.I.P.

LEO KINGSTON RANDLE

1914 - 2004

WHAT WAS THE BEST MOMENT IN YOUR REFEREEING CAREER? Doing a line for the NSW vs England game at the SCG in 1954 and also the NSW vs. QLD at the SCG in 1955.

WHO WERE YOUR INFLUENCES? I enjoyed being a member with Canterbury and a lot of Referees from Canterbury were in 1st Grade so there were many influences. Probably Darcy Lawler and George Pearce were two of note.

WHAT DISLIKES DO YOU HAVE ABOUT THE GAME TODAY?

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