The CFOA would like to congratulate Ken Lazaruk as the 2024 Tom Cheney Award winner.
Since his retirement from active officiating in the CFL in 2008, Ken has actively mentored numerous
on field officials. He provides training and evaluation for developing officials. His leadership skills as
a crew chief helped numerous young officials who joined the CFL over the years. He has actively
mentored at lease 6 MFOA officials who have moved on to the professional ranks with the CFL. He
has held the role of CFL officials’ evaluator since 2008 and up until 2014.
Ken has been awarded the MFOA’s Rose Bowl Award numerous times. This award goes to
individuals who have made major contributions on and off the field as chosen by the MFOA
Executive. At the local level, Ken was instrumental in establishing professional standards for MFOA
officials. He was the first individual responsible for writing a 5 official mechanics manual for the
MFOA officials. Of course, this document and its content evolved over the years. Needless to say,
he saw it as essential that MFOA officials be the best they can be. Norms and standards were his
way of enhancing the quality of officiating at the local level.
Ken spent most of his career mentoring officials; both amateur and professional even after retiring
from the field in 2022. He was often tasked to do this on an official basis but his feeling of
responsibility toward the betterment of officials meant that he also did this on an informal basis as a
way of contributing to the betterment of officiating in Manitoba and abroad.
Ken is passionate about football because it brings him enjoyment. His involvement in the 1960’s in
6-man football and his participation in high school football fueled his love of the game. His
knowledge of the rules inside and out and his thick skin allowed him to flourish at every level he
officiated. His wealth of knowledge and experience were well appreciated by all of his officiating
colleagues. They listened attentively to what he had to say because of these inestimable assets.
At the MFOA level, Ken has made numerous presentations at clinics and business meetings over
the years. His knowledge of the game allowed him to challenge colleagues when rules and game
situations were discussed. After being called up as official with the CFL, Ken continued his
relationship with the MFOA mentoring many local officials. As a Game Day Observer for the
association, he watched many hours of local high school football all the while focusing on how the
crews could improve. His written evaluations for the association provided guidance, counsel and
mentorship to all who had the privilege of receiving feedback.
As a former teacher, Ken not only excelled on the field. He had the opportunity of working with
disadvantaged youth who had become disengaged with the school system. With colleagues and
other football officials who became lifelong friends, he sought out cooperative education work
placements for these students. His involvement helped these youth develop strong work habits,
increase their self-esteem and become productive and positive members of society.
Ken is a positive force in football. He never dictates what you should be doing on the field. He
guides officials and mentors them in ways that allow them to be problem solvers on the field. He is a
firm believer that you must feel enjoyment while on the field and that translates to having fun!