National Collegiate Athletic Association

Latest News

« back to 2011 | Back to NCAA News Archive Index

Longtime football officiating coordinator Parry dies

Dave Parry, who was named the first NCAA College Football Officiating national coordinator in 2009, died May 16 at age 76.

As the College Football Officiating national coordinator, Parry served as the national spokesperson for college officiating issues and worked directly with the college football community to accurately communicate officiating issues at all levels. He also created and developed national training programs, assigned and evaluated postseason officiating crews and coordinated national meetings of the college officiating community.

He stepped down from that position in February.

Dennie Poppe, NCAA vice president of Division I football and baseball, said, “Dave was a gentleman and friend to many of us, and he will certainly be missed. Our condolences go to Pat and his family. We wish them the best during this difficult time. Dave’s many contributions to college football and specifically officiating were significant. The sport of college football has lost a great man.”

Parry had a distinguished career on the football field before taking up administration. He officiated at the collegiate level for 20 years and had a 15-year career calling games in the NFL from 1975 to 1990.

Parry was assigned to 14 NFL playoff games, including four conference championship games. He was also the side judge for Super Bowl XVII in 1983.

After leaving the field, Parry became the coordinator of football officials for the Big Ten Conference from 1990 to 2008. He helped the Big Ten become the first conference to use instant replay.

In 1999, Parry received the Outstanding Football Official Award from the National Football Foundation. The award honors an official who has demonstrated sportsmanship, integrity and character in contributing to the sport.

Parry also officiated collegiate basketball games in the Big Ten and Mid-America Conferences for 20 years.

Other honors bestowed on Parry included being named to the hall of fame for Michigan City, (Indiana) area schools after serving 32 years as a teacher, coach and athletics director.

Parry graduated with honors from Wabash College in 1957 and is a member of the school’s athletics hall of fame.