But, an emotional Rod Bowd received that and more when he was presented Life Membership with Bengalla Hunter Valley Group 21 Rugby League at the Muswellbrook RSL Club on Wednesday night.

Surrounded by his fellow officials, young and old, the popular whistle-blower seemed overawed by the announcement.

However, he quickly joined other Life Members Ron Lanesbury, Neil Barry, Denny Gleeson, Henry Page, Gary Gardner and Jane Walmsley on the stage to accept the honour.

"I never look for these kinds of awards," Bowd said.

"I just enjoy what I do - and I have a terrific bunch of guys around me.

"But, it's great to get the recognition.

"I'm extremely humble to become a Life Member.

"A special thanks must go to my family for their support."

Group 21 president Simon Walmsley also paid tribute to Bowd, who'll run the sideline for the first grade showdown between the Scone Thoroughbreds and Aberdeen Tigers at Scone Park on Saturday, September 7.

"It's not the easiest role in sport, being a referee," he said.

"However, you can't doubt Rod's dedication to the craft.

"Life Membership is a much-deserved accolade."

Bowd has been an active official for more than three decades - and chalked up many achievements in 33 years.

In that time, he's overseen 21 grand finals; and been a touch judge on eight occasions.

In 1999, he was awarded Life Membership with the Referees Association after serving as secretary (1995-2019), a Group 21 delegate or on the management committee (1994-2019).

He's aided the Group 21 coaching and development panel from 1999 to 2016, too.

From 2002 to 2019, Bowd's hosted referee courses and, between 2003 and 2010, he organised the Group 21 Schools Rugby League Carnival.

Other credits include:

2004- 2019: CMO (Referee Coach)

2007-2008: Group 21 Referee of the Year

2007-2015: Northern Division delegate

2008-2009: Country Rugby League delegate

2007: Level 3 Referee Accreditation

2007-2008: 2NM Footy Forum

2008: Group 21 Merit Award

2011: NRL National Award for services to refereeing

2011: Country Rugby League Merit Award

2013-2017: Junior league appointment chairman

CRL Country Championship referee - first grade, under-15s, under-16s, under-18s

Northern Division referee - first grade, under-17s, under-18s