Dennis Abbott #57, started his football officiating career by volunteering as an amateur sideline official in Delta (Ladner) BC at age 23 in 1969.
Joined the Vancouver City`s officials association, (BCFOA), in 1973 and then was appointed to the Junior football panel in 1976. Dennis received his first Junior playoff and High School final in 1980.
Dennis was elected President of BCFOA in 1980 and that year was assigned to the CIS’ UBC crew.
In 1982, Dennis and his family moved to beautiful Victoria where he joined the Vancouver Island Football Officials Association and became its President in 1989.
In 1991, he was instrumental in negotiating a merger with Vancouver and creating a Provincial Association operating as the BCFOA, and that season he was appointed to the Canada Cup. In addition, he was elected President of the Pacific Football Officials Association which was responsible for university football in BC. In 1993, PFOA amalgamated with the BCFOA.
From 1993 to 1997, Dennis continued to be assigned Junior Football playoffs and Provincial Finals. As well, he was appointed to Canada West playoffs from 1995 through 1997. Other major achievements were the Churchill Bowl (CIS Semi-Final) in 1998; Cullen Cup (BCFC Final) in 1998, the Canadian Bowl (CJFL National Championship) in 1999, the Vanier Cup (CIS National Championship) in 2005, and appointed to the Gold Medal Game in the Canada Cup in 2011 at 65 years of age.
Dennis continued to serve the BCFOA from 2003-2009 as Vice-President of Canadian and then President from 2009-2011. As well, in 2006, he was elected to the position of Vice-President CFOA, (Canadian Football Officials Association).