Vale: William Lodge (1934-2011)

William was involved with Football NSW for over 45 years through positions related to referee administration as well as a key volunteer for the sport. 
In addition to the roles, William also acted as the Referees State Appointment Chairman for the NSW Soccer Federation from 1979 to 2006.  This was a voluntary position and involved the appointment of match officials to all senior football which was conducted by the State Association.
While it was difficult to place the precise number of appointments which were made each weekend during the football season, it would not be inaccurate to indicate it involved in excess of one hundred and twenty fixtures per week for 32 weeks per season.  The exercise of appointing Referees and Assistance Referees took many hours each competition round and was done in a period where the technology of today was not in existence. In other words it was done manually.
The position required William to be available seven days per week outside of his normal day time employment.
William undertook this work for twenty-eight years (1979-2006) and when he decided not to continue it became necessary to engage employed staff for this purpose.
It was never easy to quantify the hours of voluntary work involved in this role, suffice to say it took an extraordinary commitment from the individual. One where there was no remuneration for his time
In addition to this duty William was also a regular volunteer assisting in all Football NSW competition related events as well as special events run by the sporting organisation.  This involved taking time away from his employment to fill roles associated with matches and key events for Football NSW ? he was seen as one of Football NSW?s most passionate volunteers.
The number of voluntary hours William put into sport at both and community and state level was incalculable.
Football NSW wishes to pass on its deepest condolences to the Lodge Family, may he rest in peace.