If you’ve ever played a game, held a whistle, or ran a sideline in New South Wales, there’s a strong chance Jim Scardanas was right there beside you.
A 200-game veteran for University of Wollongong Mallee Bulls, Scardanas is perhaps better known in referee circles for a storied career spanning 35 years across the Illawarra, Sydney Rugby and even further afield.
Even now at 70, the self-confessed “rugby tragic” isn’t showing signs of slowing with Saturday’s second grade clash between Shamrocks and University marking his 700th in the middle for Illawarra District Rugby Union.
“That number’s probably not even right, I reckon the real one’s well above 1000 with all the extra school games, preseason events, finals and all,” joked Scardanas.
“But that’s the official figure for our Illawarra archives so we’ll go with that.”
“The truth is I love it, I just love being a part of it – I relished my second grade game just gone as much as I’ve relished every game as a player, a coach, a referee coach, you name it.
The Illawarra District Rugby Union community would like to congratulate Jim on reaching 700 games. Jim will be...
Posted by Illawarra Rugby on Wednesday, June 21, 2023
“I’m just one of those rugby tragics and I do it all for love.”
Like many referees, Scardanas took up the whistle after one injury too many – in his case, another broken nose.
“I was about 35 when I started and just started doing some third grade and juniors to stay involved,” Scardanas said.
“It just went from there, we went through to district refereeing, picked up some other games around NSW and it’s lead me to so many incredible opportunities.
“Even now, we’ve got a reasonably young cohort of referees in the Illawarra so the games are easier to cover as a team and if they’re all sorted I can travel to Sydney or Shoalhaven and help out elsewhere.”
Illawarra District Rugby Union Referees Association president Adam Lysle remains in awe of Jim’s contributions to the game, which include a further 200 games as referee coach and assisting more than 700 referee courses.
“He’s one of those people who doesn’t do it for recognition or anything like that,” Lysle said.
“Honestly, he would have tried to pick up extra junior games over the past month to get away from people remembering the milestone if we’d let him.
“I remember coming to Illawarra in 2009 and people were talking about this referee as some kind of god, that’s the level of respect we have and this community has for Jim.
“His impact not just on referees but also the safety of the game overall is unique in that he applies a management techniques on the field that gives real value to players.
“They know they can enter the contact aggressively but know they’ll be safe and that’s influenced the way the game can be played.
“So there’s that and then you look at the referees he’s coached, the referee exchange programs he’s set up and the sheer amount of time he’s invested in making the game better.
“I’d say he’s easily been involved in 1500 games overall and that’s worth making a song and dance about because it inspires others and helps promote the things we love about rugby.”
Rugby Australia's Head of Community Match Officials Graham Cooper also paid tribute to Scardanas' milestone performance.
"Rugby is kept beating by individuals like Jim - 700 games and 35 years in the game is a huge achievement," Cooper said.
Great story in the Illawarra Rugby Illawarra Mercury today. Jim Scardanas officiating his 700th game game. Must say he has done this milestone without a hair out of place.
Posted by Mark Bryant on Wednesday, June 21, 2023
"On behalf of Rugby Australia, I’d like to extend my congratulations and thank you for your ongoing service. Your colleagues around the country wish you all the best."
Scardanas admits he’d have happily skipped the celebrations but says he’s just grateful to see Australian referees coming through the ranks.
“Having four Australians (Angus Gardner, Nic Berry, Jordan Way, Brett Cronan) officiating at the World Cup in France is a big deal,” Scardanas said.
“I’ve some very close friend and insights through World Rugby and I’ve known for a long time about the way Australian referees are regarded and some of the historical disparaging remarks made towards them.
“So I’m very glad that’s turning around – the way I see it there’s so many options and codes for young referees to consider so it’s important we celebrate Australians doing well and refereeing at the top level.”
