One of Scotland’s leading athletics officials has had his contribution to sport recognised with the Technical Official of the Year award from sportscotland.
Rob Dalziel, 55, from Bellshill has been awarded the accolade for his commitment and passion for officiating on a local, national and international level.
Beginning his officiating career as a parent helper at Law & District AAC in Wishaw in 2006, Rob worked hard to achieve the official grades and now officiates at leading games across the country.
A career highlight for Rob was his position as Chief Track Umpire at the Commonwealth Games in 2014 which saw him trackside for every athletics session and responsible for Usain Bolt’s 4 x 100m relay change over. He was also a Track Referee at the British Championships in Birmingham in 2015, where he returned as a Meeting Manager in 2016.
Commenting on his success, Rob said: “Like a number of official in athletics, you follow your children into the sport. As local clubs are short of officials, you’re asked if you can become a parent helper. However, I enjoyed this so much that I went on to do the technical training, and here I am nearly 12 years later still fully involved – I love it.
“The local level is really fun to be involved with, but it’s a step up at the senior level. Being involved in the 2014 Commonwealth Games – in my home city, in my home country – is my proudest moment. Walking out in our national stadium in front of 50,000 supporters of athletics, it’s an experience that will be hard to beat.”
Spending most of his summer in London, Rob was selected to perform the role of Chief Umpire for both the World Athletic Championships and Para-Athletic Championships at The Queen Elizabeth Park Stadium.
Praise for Rob
Rob was nominated for the award by Lesley McNicol, Club Secretary at Law & District AAC. Lesley added: “Rob is a fantastic role model for other volunteers across the country. His story has inspired more parent helpers within Law & District AAC to take their level one officials course, he readily gives advice and assistance to us all.
“We could not survive in our sport without people like Rob who give their time willingly and freely to assist on a regular basis. From everyone at Law & District AAC, we thoroughly believe Rob deserves this award.”
Rob picked up his award on an evening where inspirational coaches, officials and volunteers from across Scotland were celebrated across 13 categories for their significant contribution to sport over the past twelve months.
The prestigious sportscotland Coaching Officiating and Volunteer Awards 2017, were held last night (8 November) at Stirling Court Hotel where leading athletes congratulated the winners and thanked them for their work in supporting and developing sport in Scotland.
Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland, said: “Every year across Scotland, thousands of dedicated sporting enthusiasts devote their time, knowledge and skills to help others achieve their sporting goals. Our Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering Awards provide us with a chance to celebrate the great sporting achievements that are taking place every day and congratulate individuals on their commitment to Scottish sport.
“Starting with a parent officiating role, Rob has gone from strength to strength to have a successful career which is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He is an excellent role model; I hope more people will be inspired to follow his exemplary lead.
“At sportscotland we are implementing a world-class sporting system at every level in Scotland and we can only do so with the support of the many dedicated coaches, officials and volunteers. I hope that many more people are inspired by our winners and recognise the opportunities that exist to get involved in sport at every level from volunteering at your local club or school to coaching or officiating on the world stage.”
At the event, hosted by BBC Scotland’s Bryan Burnett, coaches, officials and volunteers involved in swimming, athletics, lawn bowls, tennis, football, rowing, shinty and curling were recognised for the many hours they dedicate to helping others compete at the best level they can.
Find out more
Be inspired by the stories of all the 2017 winners.
Visit the sportscotland website for information about the COV Awards.
