Gary McWilliam of Comox is among seven new members to be inducted into the Volleyball BC Hall of Fame.
McWilliam first involved himself as a coach in 1970, but realized the need for qualified officials for the sport to thrive.
He obtained a provincial ref designation in 1971, regional certification in 1977 and national in 1980.
He served as B.C.’s Regional Officials Chair (ROC) from 1979-’88. During this time, he improved officiating standards by implementing several changes and programs, including a monthly newsletter, a novice officials program, and roll-out of a new local level one official’s certification. He also initiated a more professional looking standard dress code for officials.
McWilliam has mentored several Volleyball BC Hall of Fame officials, and officiated numerous high-level events, including a Canada versus U.S. men’s pre-Olympic match in 1983.
He spent more than 30 years officiating for CIS, now U Sports.