Page 8 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 40

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Neil Dixon: Going the Distance as a Referee

By Jordan Todd Travel plus game time often made for
6-hour trips.
n a fateful day in 1985, Neil
ODixon’s neighbour came over “The money was good and I had a lot
and asked if he was interested in of fun,” explains Dixon. “But it was
going to a referee clinic in Cornwall a long way from home.”
the next day. With nothing planned, The Cornwall Bantam tournaments
Dixon agreed. Little did he know that continue to be a highlight of his year.
it would lead to a long and rewarding Over the years, he’s met Paul Coffey,

career. He’s officiated every year Ray Bourque and Todd Harvey.
since.
Many assume refereeing is a stressful
He began refereeing Novice and
job, but for Dixon, it’s been a stress
Atom games in Cornwall and South reliever.
Stormont as a 15-year-old. As he

grew older, he climbed the ranks and “No matter how difficult of a day

before long he was officiating Junior you have had, you get to forget your
games. troubles for the time that you are on
the ice,” he says. “There’s too much
But, as life goes sometimes, says going on during a game to be able to
Dixon, children came into the picture
think about your day.”
and the Junior refereeing had to
come to an end. “My wife was and He also implores people to be kinder
continues to be very understanding to referees as well. It’s a fast game,
with me being out of the house,” he with split second decision making.
says. “I continue to referee, but only They strive to their best, but no one
one or twice a week.” is perfect. They’re just people.
He has some very fond memories of “The abuse that is delivered from
his days refereeing in Junior. The players, coaches and spectators has
road trips and camaraderie between driven away many young offi cials
the guys was a highlight. It was who had the potential to become

a huge time commitment though. great offi cials.”
Neil with his son Andrew Photo Submitted
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