contest ever.

At the Bermuda Referees Association's prize presentation held at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club on Saturday night Simons narrowly beat out Frank Drayton to win the award. Both are Class II referees.

The pair were among a short list of five who were considered for the award, the other three being Peter Sousa, Gernot Wilkie and Gregory Belboda.

Last year's winner was Roddy Burchall who early this year was promoted to Class I.

Although he admitted to have been "shocked'' by the announcement, Simons said that he was pleased with his progress since taking up refereeing six years ago after being approached by Aldwyn Savery, Director of Referees.

"I was shocked and pleasantly surprised by it all. As far as I am concerned any one of the five could have won it,'' said this year's winner.

Simons attributed much of his success to other referees who have offered him advice over the years. He has even been appreciative at times when some of their opinions have been critical, pointing out that constructive criticism has helped him to overcome various short comings.

"I have always been receptive to any information coming from other referees.

My view has been that hopefully it can only help me to improve and as a result I would not go out there and make the same mistake twice,'' said Simons.

Naturally winning the award has encouraged Simons to aim for higher goals and he makes it no secret that his intention is to eventually be a FIFA listed official after working his way to Class I.

A Physical Education teacher at West End Primary School, Simons realises that his long-time involvement in junior soccer as a coach combined with his association with the Pacer's Track Club (where he is coach) have all attributed to his success as a referee. When he eventually took up the invitation extended to him by Savery, Simons spent his first year as a trainee and was promoted to Class III status the following season. He spent three seasons as a Class III before being promoted to Class II.

"It's been quite an enjoyable experience, I have had many good times while refereeing. Yes, there is a lot of abuse one gets from the fans in particular but as an official you have to turn a deaf ear to it,'' he said.

Savery was just as happy to see Simons win the award.

"I always knew that Cal had the potential to go a long way in refereeing. I am thrilled to see him win this award,'' said Savery.

"I was after him to referee about three years before he finally was persuaded to join the association. He had some reservations in the beginning but I know now that he has no regrets in making the decision to do so.

"Cal is a learner and a real student of the game of soccer who enjoys a good relationship with both the players and referees. I am sure that he will go a long way,'' said Savery.

TOP REFEREE -- Cal Simons (right) is congratulated by Aldwyn Savery.