Sarah “Skip” Ward started refereeing at age 14. When she entered high school, she officiated Junior and Senior High games. Upon graduation, she traveled to many schools and colleges in the surrounding counties and states.

She was one of the first National Rated Women’s Officials in the county and area. She officiated all sports — basketball, fieldball, softball, volleyball, field hockey, swimming and diving — from 1942-81, refereeing approximately 2,500 games.

“Skip” helped train many young women to become referees, holding clinics and encouraging the new officials. She gave much time to the field of athletic officiating.

“Skip” was an athlete in her own right, lettering in basketball, fieldball and volleyball — later earning the distinction of being awarded the “United Federation Honor Medal” for basketball. “Referee,” a national magazine for sports officials, in March 1983 published an article about her untiring efforts after 39 years of refereeing and the benefit of being in athletics.