Framboise Gommendy catches up with ...
Jill WOOD:
A PERFECT PERFORMANCE
 
I like referees.

I actually made a comprehensive article (about to be posted soon, so keep watching this space) about them called “Referees, the day in day out sponsors of squash”. When you read it, 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…

 "Jill"