Chris Bambridge

Born in 1947, Chris Bambridge came to Australia from Britain in 1974. A Grade One referee, Bambridge was appointed to the national league in 1977, where he stayed until his retirement in 1991. He was awarded the FIFA badge in 1981, gaining selection to the panel of linesmen for the World Youth finals in Australia that year. Following his appointment as linesman for the quarter finals, semi-finals and final of the 1983 Mexico World Youth championship, Bambridge refereed the final of the 1985 World Youth title in China. He was also selected for the 1986 World Cup finals in Mexico and the 1988 Olympic Games in South Korea, becoming the only Australian referee to have taken part in both World Cup and Olympic Games finals. In addition to his international duties, Bambridge refereed four national league grand finals and was twice elected Australian Referee of the Year. After retiring from active refereeing, Bambridge switched to administration to become president of Soccer Referees Victoria.