Allen Richardson, born on July 26, 1943, built a substantial legacy in the realm of high school athletics, particularly golf, earning him a 2016 induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame under the category of Contributor. His contributions primarily revolved around his service to the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association's (TSSAA) golf championships and his influence extended well beyond the state level.

Richardson began his notable journey with TSSAA in 1987, dedicating himself to assisting with the state golf championships. His dedication saw him conducting rules meetings for participants at these tournaments, a task he approached with thoroughness and expertise. His commitment to ensuring a high standard of competition and fairness became evident as he took on the responsibility of organizing and appointing rules officials for the TSSAA Region tournaments, a role he held for nearly three decades.

In 1998, Richardson expanded his service by directing the entire TSSAA State Golf Championships. This position involved an array of tasks, from marking the course prior to the state tournament to lining up rules officials to work the championships. Furthermore, he conducted coaches’ meetings before the start of each state golf tournament, ensuring that all teams were on a level playing field and fully informed of the rules and expectations.

Beyond his roles specifically within the TSSAA, Richardson also made significant contributions at the national level. Since 1999, he has held TSSAA Rules Meetings required by all coaches across the state to attend, showcasing his extensive knowledge and expertise. His officiating career extended to working for the USGA, NCAA, PGA of America, and various local events. Remarkably, he served on the USGA’s Junior Championship Committee for 33 years, officiated at 55 USGA Championships, including 19 U.S. Open Championships, and lent his expertise to over 100 National Championships as a member of their rules committee.

Allen Richardson's induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2016 was a fitting tribute to a career marked by dedication, expertise, and a profound impact on high school golf not only in Tennessee but across the nation. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the sport and set a high standard for those who follow in his footsteps.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2016
Category: Contributor