Dane Dickson becomes first Port Macquarie Senior Oztag Association referee to officiate Oztag NSW State Cup grand final

Dane Dickson is a man of many talents who can now add his name to being Port Macquarie Senior Oztag Association's first-ever official to referee a state level decider.

He did so on May 16 at the NSW Senior State Cup in Coffs Harbour with impressive performances during the regular competition resulting in being awarded the women's 40s grand final.

"It was ACT vs Cronulla and finished 2-all at fulltime so as a referee it's a high pressure one," he said.

"It's a nice compliment to get a grand final especially when there are about 60 referees in total at the tournament and only around a quarter get grand finals."

After spending many seasons as a player, Dickson took up refereeing six years ago mainly due to a lack of officials in the Port Macquarie competition.

"When Greg Smith was running the association they were short at the time and I had played so thought I'd give reffing a go," he said.

"We've had a few refs go to the state cup from Port Macquarie over the years and that's where i've learned from - some of the other guys.

"I waterski in summer and boats aren't easy or cheap things to run so it's a bit of extra money and it's a good challenge."

He said he was now aiming to progress up the ranks to take charge of other divisions in coming years.

"I like to think I'm a good ref so the women's 40s is a good stepping stone to try and get those higher intensity games," he said.

What else is happening in news, sport?

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: