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25th June:
Referees are a vital part of the game, but they are often judged,
insulted, ignored ... and sometimes praised. Framboise caught up with the
Refs, starting with Jill Wood, to get the story from their side of the
court ... |
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from May 2004
 Jill
WOOD:
A PERFECT PERFORMANCE
I like referees.
I actually made a comprehensive article about them called “Referees, the day in day out
sponsors of squash”. When you read it [below, Ed], you’ll know why…
Well, I don’t like ALL the referees, but I do admire them for their
dedication and their love of squash.
I especially like Jill Wood, a 65 year old great lady, who started
refereeing in the British Open 1986. She is married with two children and
a grandson of 7. When she is not "refereeing away" , she is a dressmaker
(well, at this point in her life, she is only working for special
occasions or events). On top of squash, she is involved in Hertfordshire
Hockey.
In this event, like in all the tournaments I’ve seen her in, she is calm,
measured, witty but not cheeky, firm but not authoritarian, a soft voice
but not mellow.
She stops a player from stepping out of the court at just the right time,
with a very pleasant and charming voice:
“Please stay on the court, Mister so and so,” instead of barking an order
and challenge the already boiling young man.
She’ll answer the queries
quickly, clearly, won’t get into a discussion and yet, will have a dialog
with the player.
If they were making a perfume called “Referee”, they should put her in the
bottle!
“I used to be an International Referee, but now, at my age, I’m quite
happy to stay at the National level,” smiles Jill.
“I enjoy squash because
I’m always amazed by these young people’s talent and skills, although I
don’t appreciate bad behaviour or lack of sportsmanship on a court.”
And what is your aim as a referee, I ask the delightful English lady?
“To see fair play”.
Hear hear… |
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READ THE FULL ARTICLE |
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from May 2004 |
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