Top international judo ref a rare breed in NZ

EURO TRAVELS: Diane Limbrey has officiated at four European tournaments during two trips this year.PHOTO/FILE A-240412WCBRCJU01

WANGANUI Police Sergeant Diane Limbrey is a rare breed - she is one of only two Kiwi judo referees qualified to officiate outside the Oceania region.

Since giving up competitive judo in 2005, Limbrey took up refereeing the season after and is now one of the top mat cops in the sport.

Limbrey has just returned from the Sydney International Judo Championships, which she used as a warm-up for the Oceania Judo Union Continental Open in Wollongong, Australia, on November 13-14.

"I was there as a referee and attended the referee seminar held in conjunction with the tournament. It was run by Juan Carlos Barcos, the head referee director of the International Judo Federation," Limbrey said.

"I was using the Sydney competition as part of my preparation to the Oceania Open. This is the biggest competition in Oceania for the year and will attract many countries whose players will be chasing Olympic qualifying points.

"Four years ago, this same competition attracted large numbers attempting to qualify for the London Olympics and they are expecting the same this year with Rio just around the corner. I'm one of three referees from New Zealand who have been selected."

This year, Limbrey has officiated at four European tournaments during two trips.

"Because of the costs we try and travel at times when there are back-to-back tournaments so we can referee at two or three competitions. I'm one of just two New Zealand referees qualified to travel outside Oceania," Limbrey said.

In the meantime, she will referee at the New Zealand nationals in October where she will also wear another hat.

"When I step off the mat I am one of three commission members overseeing the referees. If their decisions are protested, the commission members are called in," she said.