During the final block on day two of the Rome European Open, it was announced that referee, Thom Hallum would be retiring from his duties as a Continental Referee.
Of course it was an emotional day for me, I feel like I shouldn’t stop but I am at the age where it is time. Ten years ago, Rome was my first European Open, and it feels appropriate to finish here.
It was a wonderful moment taken for Thom, his retirement announced, and he received a standing ovation, not just from his fellow referees, but all staff and spectators.
I began refereeing on the continental level in 2009, this all started because my two sons had started in judo, and I had also tried it as a little boy. After 25 years, when my sons had been practicing for a couple of years, I was always with them in tournament so decided to take a refereeing course.
Though Thom’s sons have long since stopped in judo, he continued on, and not only refereeing but coaching in a club at home in Norway.
Author: Thea Cowen