Wallace chosen to improve officiating
In a coup for the continued development of officiating in bowls, former South Australian state representative Sandy Wallace will assume the newly established position of International Technical Official Assessor, aimed at educating and mentoring the sport’s elite officials. In the voluntary role, Wallace will attend all national events to assess and provide feedback to the two attending International Technical Officials (ITOs), a task previously administered by National Officiating Director Mark Cowan. Cowan, who wears numerous hats in the sport; including being the National Training Centre Coach for Victoria and Tasmania, member of the World Bowls Laws and Constitution Committee and Bowls Australia’s National Officiating Director, will liaise closely with and mentor Wallace to provide feedback and guidance. Wallace is a fitting choice to take up the mantle of the ITO Assessor, with 22 years of umpiring experience as well as a proven track record in officiating big-game televised matches, including marking the final of the Australian Indoor Championships, Asia Pacific Championships and World Championships. In addition to being well credentialed as an officiator, Wallace boasts a rich history in the sport as a player over 23 years, having represented South Australia in over 100 games, earned three state titles, won 16 club championships and clinched the Moama Ladies Presitige Pairs over the course of her career. Outside of the sport Sandy also has the required experience and expertise to flourish in the new role, having spent 15 years owning and operating a hairdressing salon, during which time she successfully mentored and trained six apprentice hairdressers, an aspect crucial to the International Technical Official Assessor position. In order to improve the standards of officiating, Bowls Australia fund the attendance, including flights and transport, accommodation and meals of a minimum of two ITOs at all national events, with the determination of these appointed ITOs coming from an application process and/or an invitation to attend, ensuring Bowls Australia facilitates and develops a growing pool of accredited and trained officials. In her position, Wallace will be trained in the skills of assessment and mentoring and well versed in Bowls Australia code of conduct and ethics.
