Football SA is saddened to learn of the passing of John Tarling - a much-loved and respected member of the South Australian Football and Referee community.
John was involved with football throughout his life. After stints as a player and manager, he took up refereeing in 1963 whilst still in the UK.
He was involved in refereeing in Australia from his arrival in 1976 until his retirement in 2020. During that time, he was involved as a referee, branch coach, inspector/assessor and administrator at state, national and international levels.
Highlights of his refereeing career included:
• Involvement in many matches involving high-profile touring teams, including Arsenal, Red Star Belgrade, Middlesbrough, Norwich City, Partizan Belgrade, and AEK Athens.
• Appointment as a linesman in an ‘A’ class international match between Australia and Greece in 1978.
His love for refereeing and the development of referees was second to none, he was committed to developing young referees and selflessly gave his time and knowledge to help them to improve. John also supported senior referees to refine their skills and was an incredible mentor on and off the field. John contributed to the development and progression of countless referees over his lifetime. He was a well-respected member of the football community in South Australia, welcomed at any ground he went to. He will be remembered for his warm smile, friendly embrace and dedication to the referee community.
John was also a much-loved Partner, Father, and grandfather, and we pass on our deepest sympathy to the extended Tarling family at this time.
Vale John.
