A graduate of Daniel McIntyre Collegiate in Winnipeg, Al, who started refereeing in church leagues, became one of the best referees ever to blow a whistle on the hardwood in Manitoba. In addition, his professional approach to refereeing, in terms of his professional behavior on the court, such as deportment and dress, and of his leadership off the court among his fellow referees, Al was primarily responsible for elevating refereeing
to a very high level of professionalism.
Al went on to become a top referee not only nationally, but also internationally. He refereed at the 1964, '68, '72, and '76
Olympics and at many other international competitions, such as the Pan American, the World Student, and the Asian Games. In 1997, Al received the 1997 International Basketball Federation's (FIBA) Award of Merit, the first North American to be so honoured.
Al also wrote and edited two instructional manuals for referees and the FIBA rules casebook for 1974, '76, '80, '90, and '94.
After retiring from the RCMP, Allen pursued his passion for athletics and became well known in the world of sports. His legacy includes Executive Director of Canada Basketball, President and founder of Sports Officials Canada, referee in four Olympic Games, and Vice-President of the technical Commission for FIBA.
Allen is remembered for his tireless efforts and contributions to basketball in Canada. In recognition, he received many distinctions including the FIBA order of merit, inductions into the Manitoba, Ottawa, Canada and FIBA Basketball Halls of Fame and a Lifetime Achievement Award from Coaching Association of Canada and the City of Ottawa Sports. His legacy lives on and he will be greatly missed by all.