Jarred’s award official
Soccer referee Jarred Gillett has been praised at the Gold Coast Sports Star Awards night after the official claimed the Special Achievement Award.
Gillett, who began his career refereeing in the A-League in Australia before taking his skills overseas, is one of the world’s best soccer referees.
Absent from the awards because of refereeing commitments in the English Premier League, Gillett said he was grateful officials, not just the athletes, had been recognised.
“I am really proud and humble to receive this award from my home town that has produced so many great athletes,” Gillett said on video.
“I think its great to see the Sports Star of the Year Awards have chosen to recognise officials along side the players and athletes.
“We care just as much about our sport as they do and takes just as much hard work, dedication and commitment to reach the top.”
It all started at Mudgeeraba for Gillett, where he found his passion for the world game.
Playing soccer and refereeing on the Gold Coast, Gillett quickly rose through the ranks to become one of three fulltime referees in the A-League.
Gillett officiated in the 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 ALeague grand finals before he moved to England in 2019.
He officiated in his first Premier League game in 2021 to become the second person born outside the British Isles to referee an EPL game when he took charge of the 1-1 draw between Watford and Newcastle United on September 25, 2021.
Away from soccer, Gillett gained a doctorate in sports science specialising in research of children with cerebral palsy.
Jarrad’s dad, Greg, accepted the award on Saturday night.
“Perseverance got him to the Premier League, he had to hand in his FIFA badge,” Greg said. “People don’t know this, just to prove to everyone over there just how serious he was and how determined he was to make it over there.
“This would mean giving up the future possibility of the Olympics and the World Cup.
“He gave it all up to have his dream come true.
“He was Australia’s No.1 referee when he left and he would have to start all over again in the lower ranks in England to prove himself to everybody, which he did.”