Canterbury referee Paul Dalziel has become Mainland Football’s latest Life Member, recognised for 35 continuous years to the sport, and especially to refereeing.
The Life Membership was confirmed at Mainland Football’s 23rd annual general meeting in May 2024.
In the nomination for his Life Membership, Dalziel’s commitment to the game and huge contribution to refereeing was described in detail.
He was inspired to give refereeing a go after a discussion with a referee who was retiring in 1989.
“During these 35 years (since), Paul has been actively involved in refereeing from all possible aspects,” the nomination explained.
He became a referee and assistant referee for the regional equivalent of the current Southern League, and an assistant referee for National League games.
Dalziel also became a referee assessor.
“Paul’s off-the-field performance has seen him as a key leader within the referee’s group.
“Back in 2006, Paul was instrumental in the successful integration of the old Canterbury Soccer Referees Association Inc into Mainland Football, which resulted in the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between both parties in February 2007.
“Paul has also been the Mainland Football Referees representative on the NZ Football Referees Committee for which he undertook this role for many years prior to handing this role over to Simon Myers at the start of 2023.
“Since Paul’s moves to be a refereeing assessor/mentor/coach, he has had a significant and positive impact on a number of the leading referees that are seen not only in Christchurch but throughout New Zealand.
“Paul’s analytical mind combined with his precise yet open form of communication has seen his engagement and words with referees (who are young and old) as being ‘wise words’ which always add value to the referee that he has assessed.
“Lastly, Paul is the current spokesperson for the Mainland Football Referees Committee, a role that he undertakes with great diligence and purposeful thought.”
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