The Association’s great loss – a tribute to Carl Couzens

It is with great sorrow that the Association has to announce the death of its Vice Chairman and Secretary, Carl Couzens. Carl, who hailed from Hitchin, was one of the brightest and best loved referees ever to emerge from the Spartan South Midlands League.  He died from a severe asthma attack last Friday night after an evening out with a friend. He was just three weeks short of his 37^th birthday. 

Carl’s untimely passing has come as a great shock to his friends and colleagues. He was a lovely, unassuming individual who gave far more to the game than he ever derived from it. His natural ability and man management skills meant he was a fast riser in refereeing circles. By his early thirties he had been promoted to become an Assistant Referee on the Football League and may well have been destined for the very top had illness not so cruelly curtailed his involvement.

He officiated with great distinction on the Conference South, Southern and Ryman Leagues and was also willing to play a huge part in administrative work behind the scenes.

As well as his influential role within the ASSMFLMO, Carl was a former Chairman of the North Herts Referees Association. He was also a keen golfer, a very proficient badminton player and umpire and an eagle-eyed referees’ assessor who offered great help and encouragement to all with whom he came into contact.

Though suffering from asthma for a number of years which necessitated attending hospital often for long spells, he never complained about his health or ill luck and bore his frustration and pain with great dignity.

Each summer, Carl travelled to Denmark with other refereeing colleagues from this Association to officiate at the Dana Cup, one of the largest international youth tournaments in the world where his obvious talent was rewarded by being appointed to take charge of several prestige cup finals.

This is a terrible tragedy … a life of promise cut off at such a tender age. We shall all miss such a likeable and popular colleague.

His passing represents a sore loss to the League and the Association and I would ask that you keep Carl’s family in your thoughts and prayers at this sad time.