NFF Outstanding Football Official Award Recipients
Biography
George Gardner was involved with conduct of the game of football as an official for over 50 years. He graduated from Georgia Tech in 1925 with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering, and served as the captain of the 1924 Yellow Jackets football team. After graduating, Gardner tried his hand at officiating. His skills enabled him to become a SEC referee, where he worked games for 16 years. Gardner was then promoted to supervisor of SEC officials, a role he held for another 28 years. Considered one of the foremost authorities on the rules and mechanics of college football, he was involved in writing the first-ever manual on college football officiating. Gardner also served as secretary for the Georgia Football Officials Association. He was elected to the Georgia Tech Hall of Fame in 1986.
