The rugby league community is saddened by the news of the passing of former first grade referee, and match commissioner John Holdsworth who passed away today at the age of seventy six. Those of us who can remember the game prior to Super League will recall the immortal words over the tannoy, ´Referee John Holdsworth from Kippax´ as he took to the middle of the field and raised the ball aloft, often to good natured booing from all sides of the ground. The nemesis of many a forward John refereed with authority and good humour which illustrated his great love for the game. John refereed at the pinnacle of the game throughout the 1980´s and 1990´s and took charge of Challenge Cup Finals, Premierships, and a number of international test matches, his first being when England defeated Wales at Hull in 1980 and his last being the 1993 game between France and New Zealand in Carcassonne. Our thoughts are with John´s family and friends at this difficult time.