Overview
In 2024, we announced the introduction of two annual awards to recognise outstanding performance and contribution from our members. These awards aim to celebrate the exceptional efforts and achievements within our Society, highlighting those who have made significant impacts in their respective fields, The Wayne Barnes Award and The John Raywood Award.
The Wayne Barnes OBE Award
Wayne Barnes OBE is a former London Society referee, who reached the National Panel in 2001, and refereed his first international Test in 2006. More than 100 Test matches later, and having officiated at 5 World Cups, he retired in 2023 after refereeing the World Cup Final in Paris.
The purpose of the Wayne Barnes OBE Award is to recognise performance on the pitch. The recipient can officiate at any level of the game.
Nominations are submitted formally by the five Regional Appointments Managers (in consultation with the Regional Managers) and the Development Squad Appointments Manager (in consultation with the Development Squad Manager). One nomination is permitted for each. Any Member of the Society is welcome and encouraged to make suggestions to their Appointments Manager. Nominations are open until 30th September each year. Thereafter, nominations are reviewed by the President, General Secretary, and Chair of MODC; who together select the recipient. The Wayne Barnes OBE Award is awarded at the London Society Annual Dinner in November each year.
The John Raywood Award
John Raywood was a Life Vice President of the Society, and formerly South East Regional Manager. He is known for writing the 1995 “Raywood Review” which led to the creation of four geographical, semi-autonomous regions within the Society; the structure which exists to this day. John passed away in 2021 and is much missed by his friends in the Society.
The purpose of the John Raywood Award is to recognise outstanding service off the pitch. The recipient will have contributed significantly to the Society over a number of years, usually in a match observer or administrative capacity.
Nominations are submitted formally by the five Regional Managers and Chair of MODC. One nomination is permitted for each. Any Member of the Society is welcome and encouraged to make suggestions to their Regional Manager. Nominations are open until 30th September each year. Thereafter, nominations are be reviewed by the President and General Secretary; who together select the recipient. The John Raywood Award is be awarded at the London Society Annual Dinner in November each year.
Society Award Winners
The Wayne Barnes OBE AWARD the John Raywood Award
2024 2024
Gary Marchant joined the Society in 1990, reached Level 7, has been refereeing 50 to 60 games per season & is a fixture at pretty much every tournament across all of London for as long as we can remember as well. He aways has his kit in the car and is a really nice guy.
Bob Ockenden joined the Society in 1978, progressed through the ranks & joined the National Panel in the mid-1990’s. He qualified as an RFU Referee Trainer, introducing over 100 referees per season to the ranks of London and other Societies across the Southeast. He designed, rolled out and runs the Take-up the Whistle & Referee Coach courses that are used across England today.