Remembering Ken Green

Photo Courtesy of David Grossman

The Canadian football community is mourning the loss of Ken Green, a towering figure whose impact as an official, leader, and mentor spanned more than six decades. From his first whistle in 1956 to his final season in 2016, Ken’s dedication, expertise, and humanity shaped the game for generations.

Ken’s officiating journey began almost by chance. While studying at the University of Toronto, he answered a newspaper ad seeking football officials, despite never having played the game. What started as a way to fill time quickly became a lifelong calling. Over the next 60 years, Ken would officiate more than 3,500 games at every level: high school, club, provincial championships, eight U SPORTS national championships, and the 1979 Can-Am Bowl in Tampa, Florida. 

But Ken’s influence extended far, far beyond the gridiron. He served as Referee-in-Chief of OUA Football for more than 25 years, supervised CFL officials for 12 years, chaired the Football Canada Rules Committee for over two decades, and edited the Football Canada Rule Book. His leadership at the local, provincial, and national levels helped set the standard for officiating across the country. Countless officials he mentored went on to long and successful careers in U SPORTS and the CFL, many citing Ken as their most influential guide. 

Ken’s lifetime of service to the sport was recognized through some of the most significant honours in Canadian football: the prestigious Tom Cheney Award in 1990 for officiating excellence, the Football Canada Diamond Award in 2022 for outstanding national service, induction into the inaugural class of the Football Ontario Hall of Fame in 2023, and the creation of the OFOA’s Ken Green Trophy and the OUA’s Ken Green Officials Award of Merit — both enduring tributes to his professionalism, passion, and leadership. 

Despite the well-deserved accolades, Ken was never one to seek the spotlight. Known for his humility, sharp wit, and unshakable fairness, he earned the respect of players, coaches, and fellow officials alike no matter what field he was assigned. For coaches, having Ken assigned to a game meant they could trust the contest would be called with consistency, integrity, and deep knowledge of the rules. Many expressed that trust in the simplest way possible: “I’m glad you’re reffing our game.” 

“Ken embodied the very best of our sport,” said Kevin McDonald, Executive Director of Football Canada. “His leadership by example, and unwavering integrity shaped the standard for football officiating in this country. But perhaps more importantly, Ken deeply cared about people, especially the people around the football community.  Those who got the chance to cross paths with Ken, knew him as a mentor, a friend, and he is an example of how one person’s commitment can elevate an entire community. 
 
“Ken truly was the heartbeat of officiating in Canada,” said Scott Woloshin, Football Canada’s Manager of Officials Development. “He gave so much of himself to develop others, and he did it with kindness, patience, and humour. Every official who had the privilege to learn from him over his incredible tenure carries a piece of his legacy onto the field.” 
 
Football Canada, it’s staff and partners, extends our deepest condolences to the Green family and all who had the privilege to know him. Ken’s legacy lives on in the officials’ he mentored, the rulebook he helped shape, and the unwavering professionalism he brought to every game. His impact on Canadian football will continue to guide and inspire our community for years to come.