Mr Turner, who died in February after battling pancreatic cancer, was recognised for his role establishing the Bill Turner Cup and Bill Turner Trophy.

The two school competitions have run for more than 30 years, and have expanded beyond the Hunter, incorporating teams from North Queensland and Melbourne.

Mr Turner's son, Lloyd Turner, said his late father's focus was on motivating children to participate as well as giving exceptional athletes an avenue to sport's elite levels.

Lloyd said his father was aware of the Medal of the Order of Australia nomination before his death and humbled by it.

"This award would have been accepted with gratitude but it also would have been fast headed into the bottom of the cupboard," Lloyd said.

"He wasn't overly worried about awards."

Bill Turner Cup and Trophy president Lindsay Hewison said the recognition was well-deserved for the humble administrator, teacher and referee.