Robert Plank

One of the top officials in the state of Colorado, Bob Plank officiated 32 years in football and basketball. He was a teacher, coach and administrator at Fleming and Sterling high schools for 33 years as his “real” job, but was also one of the state’s finest officials after school.

Plank earned numerous awards as a basketball official, including the inaugural Al Schalge Award for professionalism and service to the sport. Plus, he called a number of championship games.

While refereeing basketball, Plank served in many capacities for the officials’ association, including as President of IAABO Board #4 in 1973. He was also a member of the Board #4 Executive Committee.

He served as a rules clinician for countless conferences and was an important mentor for literally hundreds of younger officials.

In football, he was a noted on-field official who called many playoff and state championship games.

He was an Executive Committee member for the Colorado Football Officials Association for 10 years and served as a rules clinician for many clinics. Again, like basketball, he was active with numerous CFOA clinics.

In support of his avocation – officiating - he regularly wrote articles on rules, rule changes and sportsmanship and took those topics on local radio.

One of the unique opportunities that come for officials is the ability to referee games in multiple classifications. Plank noted that many “special” games he called, including the first girls’ basketball championship game and the 1976 title game between Manual and Cherry Creek in 1976.

Plank was an instructor of officiating and rules for Northeastern Junior College, Western State and Adams State colleges.

He is a member of the IAABO Board #4 Honorary for Officials and a member of the Colorado High School Football Officials Association Hall of Fame.