John Street (snooker referee)

Arthur John Street (3 January 1932 – 6 January 2009), better known as John Street, was an English professional snooker referee.[1]

John Street

He refereed at all the major televised tournaments beginning in the 1970s up until his retirement. His final match was at the 1997 Benson & Hedges Masters final when Steve Davis defeated Ronnie O'Sullivan 10–8 after trailing 4–8. This match was particularly notable for having a streaker run around the table leaving John Street speechless.

Street refereed in five World Championship finals between 1980 and 1995.[2] He handled the famous 1992 final between Jimmy White and Stephen Hendry when Hendry came from 8–14 behind to win the match 18–14 by winning 10 consecutive frames.

Street was co-author of several snooker rule books.

He died from lung disease in Exeter in 2009 aged 77. Street was married to Jean, they had two children together.