John "Jake" Ireland (born December 1, 1946[1]) is a former referee in the Canadian Football League, who wore uniform number 62, and current lead replay official for the league's instant replay command centre.
Ireland, from Townsend, Ontario,[2] attended Burlington Central High School[3] from 1960 to 1965.
He was also an active member of Student’s Council, and was proud to win a Mathematics Award in 1964.
While attending McMaster University, Ireland was contacted by a high school friend to begin officiating flag football for the newly created Burlington Minor Football Association.
Soon after, Ireland was contacted to begin officiating for the Lakeshore Football Association, including refereeing games for the Burlington Braves Club.