Bob Kandelas Medal 2025

Over the next few weeks I will be sending out information regarding our biggest event on the calendar, the Bob Kandelas Medal. The information that you will receive will be about the night and what the night is all about. This week we will look at ‘Who was Bob Kandelas’.

Who Was Bob Kandelas?

Bob Kandelas was an outstanding official who started his refereeing career with the Balmain Referees’ Association. Once the Penrith Referees’ Association was established in 1966, Bob joined the association becoming our 60th member.

Throughout his Career Bob had many wonderful achievements:

-              Bob was graded in the late 1970’s being graded member #629

-              In 1971 he refereed the A Grade Division 1 Grand Final

-              Bob was the first member to receive the Jack Harris Award in 1972

-              He became Life Member #6 in 1975

-              In 1980, the Bob Kandelas Referee’s Referee Award was created in honour of Bob for all his great achievements and all he did for this great association

-              In 2023 what was formerly known as our Ladies night then Life Members Night. Our presentation night was renamed to the Bob Kandelas Medal

The night is to acknowledge everything that Bob did for this Association and how it would not be where it is today without him

Stay tuned for more information to come about the night!