England Lacrosse is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Oldham and Werneth Lacrosse Club player, referee, and referee trainer, Dave Scholes.

Peter McGinnety, who knew Dave, also known as Biffo, through their joint association with officiating, has written the following tribute to his friend.

“I first met Biffo when he was the home official at Oldham and Werneth Lacrosse Club, in the days when games were officiated by one panel referee and one home referee.

“One memorable occasion, when we worked together, was a game when Oldham travelled to Morethorpe. As the Yorkshire side had no referee, David volunteered to help out (he always had his kit ready in the car!).

“Both teams had a reputation for being hot headed and, as the game progressed, this attitude resulted in several players from each team, including both captains, being "fouled out" - having collected too many personal fouls. Just into the fourth quarter, a further incident occurred leading to a mass brawl, soon joined by those previously fouled out.

“The rookie Biffo wanted to throw himself into the melee; I held him back as helmets, gloves and sticks flew in all directions. As things died down, I blew my whistle and declared that the game would not continue.

“The players showered and changed and met up at the Morethorpe watering hole, where the only fighting was to buy each other beer! The Morethorpe captain pleaded, "thaas not going to report us is thee"?

“Both teams were reported to the disciplinary committee and were fined £25 each. Biffo, as well as being prosecution witness, was also Oldham's treasurer, so he paid the fine. I often wonder whether he was reimbursed.

“David went on to join the referees’ panel and progressed through the levels of officiating, eventually gaining his treasured blue International Badge.

“His encyclopaedic knowledge of the rules, which extended to not only knowing the rule number but even the page number where it could be found in the rule book, made him an obvious candidate to become the Referees' Association Training Officer, a role he fulfilled for many years.

“Many of today’s top officials started their careers by attending David's courses.

“David himself represented England at World Championships in Japan (1996) and Australia (1999) and travelled with England to referee in the prestigious Field of Dreams Tournament in the USA.

“It is sad to hear of David’s passing but he will live on because most referees have a Biffo story to recount.

“Thank you David for your service to our beautiful game. Our thoughts are with your family.”

England Lacrosse would like to echo the words of Peter and thank Dave for his service to the game we all love over the years and extend our condolences to Dave’s family at this difficult time.

Dave’s wife, Christine, has requested that people raise a glass and drink to Dave on the Friday 29 July, the date of his funeral.