MacFarland, Grace

Grace MacFarland was a high school and collegiate basketball referee during the infancy of women’s sports. Long before Title IX, her love of the game led her to participate in every way possible. MacFarland involved herself in teaching, coaching and organizing intramurals at the junior high school and high school levels.

At the time MacFarland began officiating, participation in girls and women’s sports was increasing dramatically. By the time she retired in 1985, media coverage and interest in the women’s game was also beginning to blossom. MacFarland officiated many conference playoff and championship games, numerous CIAC State Tournament games and many college games. She credits her husband as well as fellow referee Jan Pacific for teaching and her intricacies of officiating.