AFL Announces Founder's Award, Official of the Year
August 15, 2013 - Arena Football League (AFL) News Release
CHICAGO - The Arena Football League Office announced today that Wesley "Buddy" Ward has been honored with the AFL Founder's Award, while R.G. Detillier has been awarded the FOX40 Official of the Year.
Ward, an Assistant Coordinator of Officials, has dedicated more than 20 years to the Arena Football League in various capacities. He served as an official from 1991-1999 and as an Assistant Coordinator of Officials since. He also served as a Big East Conference official and currently serves as a technical advisor, observer and replay official for the American Athletic Conference.
"We call Buddy the âKeeper of the Rulebook,'" Supervisor of Officials Carl Paganelli said. "He knows the rulebook better than anyone and we trust him with any thoughts or changes that come up because he is schooled so well on this game."
Detillier has spent 22 years as an AFL official. He has served as both a referee and line judge throughout his tenure with the League. He is also a Conference USA official and has officiated more than 10 collegiate bowl games including the Rose Bowl, Cotton Bowl and Gator Bowl.
"He has seen probably everything that has happened in 22 years. He is a very experienced official and he knows how to handle any situation that comes up," said Paganelli. "He also helps train first-year officials and teaches them the ropes when it comes to Arena Football."
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