THE AWARD

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Ted Earley was born in Toronto and developed a lifelong interest in sports, beginning his career in recreation and leisure services. He began officiating basketball in the late 1930s, refereeing in several Canadian cities. In 1940, he became a referee at the Broadview YMCA in Toronto, and in 1945 he officiated his first college game in Kingston. He later officiated baseball, football and hockey, and retired from on-court basketball officiating in 1973 for medical reasons.​​

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Earley was one of the founding members of the Canadian Association of Basketball Officials (CABO). In 1974, he attended a meeting of the Canadian Amateur Basketball Association alongside Al Rae of Ottawa, at the invitation of Executive Director John Restivo. A follow-up meeting with representatives from each province led to the formation of CABO. Earley became its first National Chairman and, following the adoption of its constitution, its first President, serving until his death in November 1978.​

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Throughout his career, Earley held numerous leadership and administrative positions in basketball and other sports organizations, including President of the Ontario Amateur Basketball Association and Executive Secretary of the National Association of Basketball Coaches of Canada. He also served as Recreation Director in Dryden and London, including roles with the City of London Public Utilities Commission’s Recreation Department. In 1992, he was inducted into the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame. His legacy was also commemorated in 1982 with the opening of the Ted Earley Sports Centre in London.​

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The Ted Earley Memorial Award is the CBOC’s highest honour. It recognizes officials who demonstrate exceptional ability on the court, extensive national and international experience, and a long-standing commitment to the basketball community. Recipients are also recognized for their leadership and administrative service at the provincial and national levels, as well as their contributions to officiating education and the interpretation of the game. A maximum of one nominee may receive the award in any given year.​

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AWARD CRITERIA​

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Nominees are evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Recognition as a superior on-court official, with significant years of active service and national and international experience;

• Varied contributions to the basketball community at both the provincial and national levels;

• Service in administrative and leadership roles at both the provincial and national levels; and

• Contributions to officiating education and the interpretation of the game.

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MMBRA RECIPIENTS

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