St Helens rugby league mourns referee Frank Tickle

His funeral took place last week and the messages and tributes conveyed to the referees society since the news broke are testament to the esteem Frank was held within the game and his popularity across the sport of rugby league.

Frank achieved Senior Referee status in 1984 and enjoyed over 100 1st team games before dedicating his later years to mentoring and supporting aspiring referees both within St Helens and across the country.

Frank Tickle (Image: Supplied)

Frank assumed the presidency of the St Helens Referees Society in 2009, following the untimely passing of his predecessor Alan Unsworth, and fulfilled around 50 years’ involvement in rugby league match officiating.

He was always noted for his humour and for having a good tale to tell, and one repeated by the referees society following his passing referenced the disagreement he had with former Sunderland FA Cup winning manager Bob Stokoe in his time at Carlisle United.

The now defunct Carlisle RL played their home games at Brunton Park, the home of the town’s football club, and in 1984 Frank was appointed to referee a midweek Division Two derby match against Whitehaven.

It had been raining all day in Carlisle and on arrival at the ground he was immediately confronted by the Head Groundsman who asked would I look at the pitch as he thought that it might not be fit to play on.

Years later Frank explained: “Although there were puddles on the pitch I decided that it could be played to which the Groundsman replied that Mr Stokoe wouldn't be happy.

“I took no notice and we kicked off bang on schedule but then the pitch started to churn up.

“As we came up the tunnel at halftime I was confronted by Bob Stokoe, who asked who had authorised the game to go ahead because that the pitch wasn’t fit to play on.

“I replied that he wasn’t involved with the Rugby club and he had no jurisdiction over any decision that had been made.

“It was at this point that he stormed off saying he was going to see the directors to get the game called off, at which point I replied that he could bring the Lord Provost of Cumbria, but the second half would still go ahead!

“It did and the final score was 7-0 and because of the game the football match on the Saturday was postponed due to an unfit pitch.

“At the end of that season the rugby team’s lease wasn't renewed, and Carlisle spent the rest of their time in the rugby league playing at the local ground at Gillford Park on which I refereed a few times as well until they disbanded in 1997.”

Frank was proud of his professional career but also enjoyed officiating amateur games where he was allowed much more freedom to referee in his style.

He developed a great rapport with the North West clubs and was voted NW Counties referee of the year on 3 occasions in 1991, 1992 and 1995.

Frank Tickle (Image: Supplied)

It was a rewarding time for St Helens members, winning the award six times in nine years – Julian King 1987, Tony Brown 1989, Martyn Haigh in 1990.

Frank was recognised by the British RLRA in 1992 for topping the referee assessment marks.

John Kinsella added: “Alan Unsworth, Frank and I were instrumental in setting up a Society training night for members.

“It wasn’t easy at first to get people involved but Frank got us the use of the UGB club on Bobbies Lane, and it took off.

“We were the first Society in Lancashire to introduce local training and it’s amazing to think that was in the last century.

“It’s great to think what we achieved then, and Frank initiated, that has now been taken up by those following us and it’s pleasing to see nearly 40 years of continuous training that is still as popular today for all members.”

Frank Tickle (Image: Supplied)

In his later years Frank took up the role of Lancashire coach.

A tribute paid by the society ahead of the funeral read: "He warmed and thrived on the responsibility of developing and mentoring referees on their own journey.

"Every official coming through over the last 10 years on the west side of the Pennines will have benefited from his knowledge and education.

"Frank lived a fulfilling life in his refereeing circles and achieved so much and did it with a smile on his face.

"He mentored, assessed and helped new referees begin on their journey and was keen to see them develop and achieve."

Former Chairman Phil Smith said: “Over 30 years ago Frank watched me on my first game, open age at Widnes Tigers. I told Frank I didn’t have a shirt to wear.

“The reply wasn’t what I was expecting. ‘You must have a white shirt; just roll up the sleeves and get on with it you’ll be reet!’ Can’t imagine young ones putting up with that these days.

“Just like John Kinsella, Frank has been there throughout my time in the Society. I spoke with him on Saturday afternoon, the day before he passed, on my way driving to Old Trafford for the Grand Final.

“Frank was in his hospital bed and said he was looking forward to watching the game later. He wished me well on my appointment and finished with the same words he always did – ‘Look after yourself cocker’.”

Frank will be reunited now with his wife Laura who passed last year.