A bowls tournament tests not only the players, but also the game’s umpire and as someone who’s spent 33 years on the green, Sunbury’s “highly respected” official Bob Carlson has continued to ace.
In recognition of Carlson’s unmatched “dedication to his craft”, the 73-year-old was awarded the national Aero Bowls Official of the Year title.
The Bowls Australia award signifies his contribution to officiating at all levels of the sport.
Although Carlson is now considered one of the best in the business, his humility still shines through.
“I do feel very reluctant to talk about it because officiating is just part of my life,” he said.
“For me that’s the biggest thing, I love being involved in such an enjoyable sport — this award is certainly a recognition of that, the work I’ve put in and also in general a recognition of all officials.”
As an official working in a volunteering capacity, Carlson said the undertaking involves an incredible amount of effort.
“Officials spend a lot of time supporting the sport,” he said.
“We deal with any disputes that arise during the game, we assist the players, we have to make a number of important decisions.”
Carlson does all of this at multiple levels – he is Bowls Australia’s International Technical Official mentor and assessor, and has previously officiated at the World Bowls Championships, Australian Open and Bowls Premier League.
“There’s a lot of satisfaction and enjoyment in what I do so it’s easy,” he said.
