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An Interview with Harold Silver
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Introduction: Harold is a senior Australian and International Referee (Class I Billiards &Snooker and an Examiner), and after more than a half-century of refereeing at the very highest level and examining many candidates for Referees’ Certificates there would be few involved in cue sports who he does not know. We believe him to be the oldest Australian Referee still reasonably active. Here we explore Harold’s experience and views in a somewhat Billiards oriented manner.
BA: We understand that you were born in England?
HS: That’s right. In 1929 and I became interested in the game via an uncle’s billiard room in North London, where my father met John Pulman and Horace Lindrum together. Who could guess that I would Referee John some 40 years later (1970 World Championships, Coogee) and he remembered me! My interest and skills developed to a personal best Billiards break of 78 and time there marking all sorts of cue sport games in a Billiard room near home.
BA: When did you come to Australia?
HS: My parents migrated in 1951 and I followed in 1958 to Gosford NSW. Yes.” I’m a 10 pound Pom”. I gained my C Grade Referees Certificate in 1959 (NSW Assn.), proposed by the late Jim Collins, a very good Billiard player and noted Referee. Then I spent considerable time refereeing exhibition games in Sydney for Eddie Charlton, Warren Simpson, Norm Squire and Newton Gahan, wonderful experience for a new Referee.
BA: Most players have never seen you compete. Did you enjoy that too?
HS: For some 20 years at Gosford my interest became a passion and enabled me to win 7 or 8 Club Championships either there or later at venues like Central Coast NSW, Lismore RSL, Hornsby RSL and Ballina RSL. However, my interest moved exclusively to Refereeing and administration in NSW and later Qld, when those skills overtook my ability as a player.
BA: So where did that take you, Harold?
HS: With time and experience I climbed the Referee grades till 1968 and A Grade Referee/ Examiner status. (Now Level 1). My Certificate was actually signed by Jack Karnham. I held Vice Presidency NSW B&S Assn, serving for about 20 years. It included several World Snooker Championships in Australia, New Zealand and overseas – too many great players to list. I also met and spent time with Murt O’Donoghue. I’m proud to have been honoured with several Life Memberships for Billiard and Snooker administration.
BA: Harold, where does Billiards sit in your preferences?
HS: My Refereeing choice has always been Billiards, however its limited exposure means that we, as Referees, tend to clock up more hours at Snooker. I can’t name all of the elite billiard players off the cuff, but have enjoyed assisting, apart from those mentioned earlier, such greats as Marshall, Russell, Gilchrist, Driffield, Schutt, Sethi, Joshi etc. and such Australian greats as Mifsud, Bolton and Lucas and many more not listed (apologies for that). A real privilege and honour all round.
BA: What about the examining side of things?
HS: The candidates, honestly, too many to remember and, as well, many, many seminars. I believe that the Referee’s conduct at the table is most important and advise all successful candidates to “set an example” and everything that entails.
BA: Where did you earn the nickname “grey gloves”?
HS: Years ago, before the introduction of red jackets by the ABSC, we had to wear black dinner suits to Referee with the obligatory white gloves. I felt the clash of white against black could be distracting for the players and started wearing grey gloves to soften it down. It worked, looked different though, so I got the nick name. I was given permission to supply grey gloves and these were used at the bi-centennial world snooker at Sydney 1988. Whatever the reason was it was never considered necessary.
BA: We understand the special Referees “pointed triangle” for snooker is your design?
HS: Yes. Prototype 1983 and donated by me one per table for a number of World Championships until now. I’m still having a few made locally.
BA: Tell us where you have officiated?
HS: 34 Australian Titles all over; 25 worlds and internationals – NZ, PNG, China, England, Ireland and Canada. I’ve actually been to most of those several times. The personal cost to me has been about $30k AU.
BA: Play any other sports?
HS: Junior Football with Tottenham Hotspurs, Tenpin Bowling and A Grade Table Tennis, but I love watching the soccer most of all.
BA: Who is your all-time favourite Billiard player?
HS: Robert (Bob) Marshall because of his achievements over so many years.
BA: What do you think of the modern electronic scoring devices?
HS: They are not covered by the Rules. Sometimes they prevent Referees from being in the expected position for the next stroke, and, importantly, Referees MUST attend to table matters before putting up scores!
BA: What about television cameras?
HS: It’s the cameras that seem to decide where the Referee stands, enough said!
BA: Harold, please give us a few good tips for Billiard Referees.
HS: Always return the ball to the player’s empty hand (unless requested otherwise); never via a cushion. Do not smooth the nap during play. Always be at the baulk end for a centre pocket loser. I believe Referees should always arrive early, as is my habit, to help with the match set-up and organise the ancillary equipment for fast and smooth retrieval.
HS: Do you have a proudest moment?
BA: Not really. I’m just so proud when the players thank me and shake my hand. I am, however, extremely proud of being the co-founder of the Australian B&S Referees Committee with the late Ron Pope in 2000 and serving as Secretary and Chairman (2000-2005).
BA: Anything we’ve missed, Harold?
HS: Not really thanks, but I can complete the Alby Johnson (Australia) story in the “Down Memory Lane, 1971 article” regarding a possible proposed match between him and World Champion Les Driffield?
BA: Please do.
HS: Well, that was organised by the late Warren Simpson and took place at Penrith Leagues Club where I had the privilege of refereeing. It was very one-sided, mainly because Johnson was mainly concerned with trying to get nursery canons and not being successful. Each time he failed Driffield would score heavily, and this continued throughout the game. As an aside, Les Driffield was immaculately dressed for the occasion and Alby Johnson arrived in shorts and thongs and had to be reprimanded.
BA: Have you any closing comments for us, Harold?
HS: A good Referee is one who sets a good example and, should I die at the table, I do not wish to be there when it happens!
Thank you sincerely for the opportunity to promote Refereeing. Please keep doing so as an encouragement to others, we are so often overlooked. Thank you.
BA: We understand that you were born in England?
HS: That’s right. In 1929 and I became interested in the game via an uncle’s billiard room in North London, where my father met John Pulman and Horace Lindrum together. Who could guess that I would Referee John some 40 years later (1970 World Championships, Coogee) and he remembered me! My interest and skills developed to a personal best Billiards break of 78 and time there marking all sorts of cue sport games in a Billiard room near home.
BA: When did you come to Australia?
HS: My parents migrated in 1951 and I followed in 1958 to Gosford NSW. Yes.” I’m a 10 pound Pom”. I gained my C Grade Referees Certificate in 1959 (NSW Assn.), proposed by the late Jim Collins, a very good Billiard player and noted Referee. Then I spent considerable time refereeing exhibition games in Sydney for Eddie Charlton, Warren Simpson, Norm Squire and Newton Gahan, wonderful experience for a new Referee.
BA: Most players have never seen you compete. Did you enjoy that too?
HS: For some 20 years at Gosford my interest became a passion and enabled me to win 7 or 8 Club Championships either there or later at venues like Central Coast NSW, Lismore RSL, Hornsby RSL and Ballina RSL. However, my interest moved exclusively to Refereeing and administration in NSW and later Qld, when those skills overtook my ability as a player.
BA: So where did that take you, Harold?
HS: With time and experience I climbed the Referee grades till 1968 and A Grade Referee/ Examiner status. (Now Level 1). My Certificate was actually signed by Jack Karnham. I held Vice Presidency NSW B&S Assn, serving for about 20 years. It included several World Snooker Championships in Australia, New Zealand and overseas – too many great players to list. I also met and spent time with Murt O’Donoghue. I’m proud to have been honoured with several Life Memberships for Billiard and Snooker administration.
BA: Harold, where does Billiards sit in your preferences?
HS: My Refereeing choice has always been Billiards, however its limited exposure means that we, as Referees, tend to clock up more hours at Snooker. I can’t name all of the elite billiard players off the cuff, but have enjoyed assisting, apart from those mentioned earlier, such greats as Marshall, Russell, Gilchrist, Driffield, Schutt, Sethi, Joshi etc. and such Australian greats as Mifsud, Bolton and Lucas and many more not listed (apologies for that). A real privilege and honour all round.
BA: What about the examining side of things?
HS: The candidates, honestly, too many to remember and, as well, many, many seminars. I believe that the Referee’s conduct at the table is most important and advise all successful candidates to “set an example” and everything that entails.
BA: Where did you earn the nickname “grey gloves”?
HS: Years ago, before the introduction of red jackets by the ABSC, we had to wear black dinner suits to Referee with the obligatory white gloves. I felt the clash of white against black could be distracting for the players and started wearing grey gloves to soften it down. It worked, looked different though, so I got the nick name. I was given permission to supply grey gloves and these were used at the bi-centennial world snooker at Sydney 1988. Whatever the reason was it was never considered necessary.
BA: We understand the special Referees “pointed triangle” for snooker is your design?
HS: Yes. Prototype 1983 and donated by me one per table for a number of World Championships until now. I’m still having a few made locally.
BA: Tell us where you have officiated?
HS: 34 Australian Titles all over; 25 worlds and internationals – NZ, PNG, China, England, Ireland and Canada. I’ve actually been to most of those several times. The personal cost to me has been about $30k AU.
BA: Play any other sports?
HS: Junior Football with Tottenham Hotspurs, Tenpin Bowling and A Grade Table Tennis, but I love watching the soccer most of all.
BA: Who is your all-time favourite Billiard player?
HS: Robert (Bob) Marshall because of his achievements over so many years.
BA: What do you think of the modern electronic scoring devices?
HS: They are not covered by the Rules. Sometimes they prevent Referees from being in the expected position for the next stroke, and, importantly, Referees MUST attend to table matters before putting up scores!
BA: What about television cameras?
HS: It’s the cameras that seem to decide where the Referee stands, enough said!
BA: Harold, please give us a few good tips for Billiard Referees.
HS: Always return the ball to the player’s empty hand (unless requested otherwise); never via a cushion. Do not smooth the nap during play. Always be at the baulk end for a centre pocket loser. I believe Referees should always arrive early, as is my habit, to help with the match set-up and organise the ancillary equipment for fast and smooth retrieval.
HS: Do you have a proudest moment?
BA: Not really. I’m just so proud when the players thank me and shake my hand. I am, however, extremely proud of being the co-founder of the Australian B&S Referees Committee with the late Ron Pope in 2000 and serving as Secretary and Chairman (2000-2005).
BA: Anything we’ve missed, Harold?
HS: Not really thanks, but I can complete the Alby Johnson (Australia) story in the “Down Memory Lane, 1971 article” regarding a possible proposed match between him and World Champion Les Driffield?
BA: Please do.
HS: Well, that was organised by the late Warren Simpson and took place at Penrith Leagues Club where I had the privilege of refereeing. It was very one-sided, mainly because Johnson was mainly concerned with trying to get nursery canons and not being successful. Each time he failed Driffield would score heavily, and this continued throughout the game. As an aside, Les Driffield was immaculately dressed for the occasion and Alby Johnson arrived in shorts and thongs and had to be reprimanded.
BA: Have you any closing comments for us, Harold?
HS: A good Referee is one who sets a good example and, should I die at the table, I do not wish to be there when it happens!
Thank you sincerely for the opportunity to promote Refereeing. Please keep doing so as an encouragement to others, we are so often overlooked. Thank you.
