Jake Ireland

John "Jake" Ireland (born on December 1, 1946) is a referee in the Canadian Football League, who wears uniform number 62.

Life

Ireland attended Burlington Central High School from 1960–1965. Jake's father, Garnet Ireland, as well as Jake's two brothers and a sister, also attended BCHS. While at Central, Jake participated in basketball, cross-country running, and curling. He was also an active member of Student’s Council, and was proud to win a Mathematics Award in 1964. While attending McMaster University, Jake was contacted by a high school friend to begin officiating flag football for the newly created Burlington Minor Football Association. Soon after, Jake was contacted to begin officiating for the Lakeshore Football Association, including refereeing games for the Burlington Braves Club. It was during a Braves game that Jake was recruited by the Canadian Football League to begin his career with the CFL as a referee. A career that would find him participating in 492 games, thus far, and refereeing in 12 Grey Cup games.

Although he retired from his full-time career with Stelco Inc. after 31 years, Jake is still active as a CFL referee, and is currently in his 27th season. He lives with his wife, Evelyn in Townsend, Ontario. Jake is especially proud of his two daughters, Mary (a teacher and coach in Oakville), and Anne, who is training as a bank manager.

Highlights

*June 12, 1979 First CFL game as an official (Ottawa vs. Montreal)
*Total Games Officiated: 492 and counting
*Grey Cup Games: 12 (10 as Head Referee)
*1976 Most Improved Official - Lakeshore Football Officials Association
*1979 Officiated in the National Junior Football Championship
*2003 Wall of Fame - Lakeshore Football Officials Association
*1985-1988 Selected as Head Referee in Four Consecutive Grey Cup Games