April 27th, 2023Passing of Al Haynes

Al Haynes passed away peacefully on April 25th after a long battle with illness and was supported by his son (and fellow referee) Clarke and his family. Al arrived in BC from Newfoundland and began officiating with the Greater Vancouver Association in the 1970's. Al was a member of the executive and a respected official in the lower mainland working both high and university games.

In the late 1980's, he began working with what would become the Surdel Association and was a board member for close to 30 years, serving primarily as the assignor and on the education committee. Over those years, Al was responsible for giving opportunities to hundreds if not thousands of referees of all ages and experience but his sense of purpose was always to develop young officials. Al also worked a number of provincial tournaments as an evaluator/assignor and was especially fond of his time at the AA’s in Kamloops.

His passing is a true loss for the basketball community. Al was a great friend to many and we will miss his big personality, big heart and big smile.