SEARCH SITE

VIRGINIA LAW PORTAL

SEARCHABLE DATABASES

ACROSS SESSIONS

Developed and maintained by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems.

2009 SESSION

099021612
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 935
Offered February 18, 2009
Commending Ralph South.
----------
Patrons-- Marshall, D.W. and Merricks; Senator: Hurt
----------

WHEREAS, Ralph South of Danville is commended for his long and successful career officiating basketball games for numerous college basketball conferences; and

WHEREAS, as a young man, Ralph South played varsity basketball at George Washington High School in Danville and after graduation spent time at the Schoolfield Recreation Center; and

WHEREAS, one night a referee did not show up at the Center, and Ralph South was asked to fill in; he did a great job and was then asked to join the Virginia High School League as an official; and

WHEREAS, a dedicated and hard-working referee, Ralph South worked high school basketball games for 20 years, including two state finals, until he moved up to the college level with the Old Dominion Athletic Conference; and

WHEREAS, recognized for his common sense and ability to work well with players, coaches, fans, and university officials, Ralph South moved to the Carolina Conference and then to the Atlantic Coast Conference, one of the dominant conferences in college basketball; and

WHEREAS, Ralph South’s calm demeanor served him well in the Atlantic Coast Conference, where competition between teams is especially fierce and he had to deal with unruly players and fans; and

WHEREAS, before retiring in 2003, Ralph South had the opportunity to referee the Western Regional Final of the NCAA Tournament in Missoula, Montana; and

WHEREAS, Ralph South refereed an estimated 1,500 games across the United States over 45 years, an amazing feat, as officiating basketball is a physically demanding career that also requires mental sharpness and the ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend Ralph South on his successful basketball officiating career; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Ralph South as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his hard work and commitment to the sport of basketball.