Paul Dalziel

Born: 19 February 1959, Christchurch

Occupation:  Professor of Economics, Lincoln University

Married

Children: None

Hobbies: This is my hobby; otherwise my academic work keeps me very busy.

Football/Referee History:

 I played soccer since I was 8, but had to give up playing for a couple of years after a bad broken ankle in 1996 (is there a good broken ankle?). I played one more season, but then decided to try refereeing. I started in 1999. In 2000 I was awarded the J.E. Jones Memorial Trophy for most improved referee not a New Zealand Badge Holder. In 2001 I was awarded the I. Billcliff cup for most improved referee awarded their New Zealand Badge in the previous two years. In 2002 I was awarded the L.J. Holland Memorial Cup for the most improved New Zealand Badge Holder. In 2003 I was awarded the CSRA Trophy for Assistant Referee of the year.

Why I became a Referee:

Initially I saw refereeing as second-best to playing, but I now wish I had made the switch much earlier in my career. Refereeing involves many of the same skills of fitness, anticipation and positioning that playing requires, and a good refereeing performance can be very satisfying.

Highlights:

The highlight of my playing career occurred when I saved a penalty as a nine-year-old to win a game against the top team in our group; everything was pretty much down hill after that. The highlight of my refereeing career was joining Wayne Stapley as the Assistant Referees for the 2003 Chatham Cup at North Harbour Stadium.