Ed Todd has earned the Denis Shanagher Award for distinguished service as an American rugby referee.
The honor is conferred based on individual merit, as determined by past recipients. Since Keith Seaber in 1992, just 10 have claimed the laurels.
The accolade underlines that in technical standards combined with advancement from the grassroots, so as to create an organic connection with American rugby, officiating is one of USARFU's stronger departments. Todd has been Boulder's director of referees since 2006.
The core problems of refereeing, however, are no longer simple proficiency and sufficient personnel. The union has struggled to produce more than a handful of officials seen as capable for international duty, partly because in 2009 the average age of an American referee was 41, according to its strategic plan.
Having played at USC, Todd was an 'A panel' referee who won international honors in handling a 1987 match between Northern California and Tunisia and a 1992 Pelicans game against Hong Kong. In 1996 he refereed a pair of women's tests involving France, New Zealand, and host Canada, and a year later had change of the South territory's contest against Wales.
Also in the 1990s, Todd chaired the Northern California referee society, during a time when it hosted a successful national conference and began inviting domestic colleagues to visit for observation and coaching. Additionally, the outstanding Pelican's Beak newsletter became the de facto national standard.
Todd went on to contribute heavily to the national Referee and Laws committee, before becoming the union's first referee manager.
Dennis Shanaher Award recipients
Keith Seaber (1992), Ian Nixon (1994), John Mellish (1996), Bryan Porter (1998), Don Morrison (2000), Jim Russell (2002), Don Reordan (2004), Donal Walsh (2009), Peter Watson (2009), Ed Todd (2013)
Related: Ref scholarship to underwrite NZ berth
Todd has been an excellent servant to the game and this is well deserved.
Posted by: MTB | 30 January 2013 at 06:18
Yes, congrats to him.
What's the scuttlebutt on the new pro-league Jason Moore is trying to start (American Pro Rugby Association)? Do they have people signing on the line for franchises yet?
Posted by: College | 30 January 2013 at 11:17
Yes, a woman in NYC who collects violins just bought a franchise for $10 million to complement her Grand Prix Rugby franchise and her USFL franchise.
Posted by: Pro League | 30 January 2013 at 14:33
I couldnt tell if that was a serious response or not. Probably not a good sign for the APRC
Posted by: College | 30 January 2013 at 19:21
The Eagles lose to Spain and with New Zealand and England to go in pool play, things look bleak!
Lets face it - the USA are not going to qualify for the Olympics and everyone who has backed Sevens as the next greatest thing is going to look like an idiot.
The USOC will be giving more to handball than they will to rugby.
Posted by: The bubble has burst | 31 January 2013 at 18:57
Congratulations Ed. I have the very great honor to say that I was either playing or coaching when Sieber, Nixon, Porter, Morrison, Russell, Reoden Watson & Todd have been refereeing the match. Gentlemen all.
Posted by: Missing the days when we played because we loved it | 01 February 2013 at 06:11
Didnt hear a peep about Carlin Isles at NZ 7s. Have teams already figured out a way to bottle him up? That would suck.
Posted by: College | 03 February 2013 at 11:11
Wellington 7s results were not that bad. Three close losses (all within a try of New Zealand, Wales, and Spain), a tie with tourney winners England (England's worst result of the weekend), and a loss to Fiji five tries to two tries. Only the Spain result could be called a real disappointment. Canada outperformed us though on the weekend. They beat South Africa and Fiji this weekend. I'd give the Eagles a b minus. Problem is that all the teams are tough now and there is real parity on the circuit.
Posted by: East Coast | 03 February 2013 at 11:54