Ronnie Jackson

Ronnie was one of the most respected referees. Although born in Hull, he was evacuated to Halifax and that remained his home. He played with Siddal, Greetland All Rounders and Triangle.  After he finished refereeing he had a spell as first team coach at Siddal.

Ronnie became a referee in the 1950’s, when he took up a suggestion to be a referee, He rose quickly through the refereeing ranks to the professional game. He became a touch judge and ‘A’ team referee in 1958, before being promoted to the first team list in 1965.He was Grade 2 from 1965 to 1967, then Grade 1 through to 1976.

Ovenden’s Frank Thomas described Ronnie very well.

“great ref. And very entertaining with the little remarks he made though out a game. He had a gift of being totally in control but without being officious”.

Highlights of Ronnie’s refereeing career included club fixtures against Australian and New Zealand touring teams. He also had charge of matches in the Rugby League County Championship.

After he retired from senior Rugby League in 1976, he continued to referee in the Pennine League, as he had in his earlier years.