‘ A love of the game ’
The ‘ AARP group ’ has been officiating football for 50 years
By Jake Winfrey | Photos by Amanda Shavers
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Just call them The Three Musketeers . If you ’ ve happened to take in a high school football game in the past … say ... 50 years , then you ’ ve almost assuredly seen them in action — side by side , rain or shine , linked forever by their friendship and kindred passion .
Wayne Manord , James Shavers and Bobby Noles have been refereeing football games together on and off for the past five decades . The inseparable trio has seen it all during that time , dating back to their first get-together in 1972 .
It ’ s been a long and winding road since , one that will end following the 2021 playoffs — Shavers is retiring after 50 years in pinstripes — but not soon forgotten .
“ All officials have camaraderie ,” Shavers said . “ Any time that you work together at any job for 50 years , you ’ re going to know what the other guy is thinking .” Noles also singled out the camaraderie . “ That ’ s really what keeps people in it ,” he said . “ Other guys like working with us . They can ask questions , because we have worked different positions over the years . Those guys can draw from our experiences . We ’ re kind of the teaching unit . We ’ re all in our 70s , so people will call us the AARP group .”
Added Manord : “ Our friendship and the confidence we have in each other is what stands out for me . We know we can rely on each other . We don ’ t have to worry about the other person . Those guys are dedicated . They want the best for the coaches , players and fans .” It ’ s been quite a journey for the trio . They ’ ve traveled untold miles , eaten countless meals and stepped foot on innumerable campuses during their years together . For every tail one tells , the other two can recount five more . “ We ’ ve got a war chest full of stories we ’ ve accumulated over the
Senior & Retiree Directory 2021-2022
Wayne Manord is ready for kickoff during a August 2019 game .