Catriona Tweedie I Making all the right decisions – Volleyball Australia

Catriona Tweedie I Making all the right decisions

She refereed at Sydney 2000 and the London 2012 Olympics, now FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships Referee Manager Catriona Tweedie is encouraging others to get involved. 

Tweedie has made a lifetime of memories through Volleyball, a journey that started in school and has taken her all over Australia and the world. 

Recently given Hall of Fame status at Presbyterian Ladies’ College in Melbourne, Tweedie continues to be a passionate voice for the sport. 

“Everyone should do a referee course, it’s useful for players and coaches as well,” Tweedie said. 

“I think everyone should just give it a go, it doesn’t mean you have to be up on the stand refereeing the top level matches. 

“If you have enjoyed playing, but perhaps haven’t got as far as maybe you thought you might, refereeing can keep you in the sport in surprising ways. 

“Who knows with Brisbane 2032 around the corner, you could end up as a scorer, or line judge at the Olympics, I can tell you the people who did it in Sydney still talk about it.”

Speaking at the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships in Adelaide, Tweedie believes the outstanding event will have a long lasting and meaningful impact on the sport. 

“I’m hoping with all the local scorers and judges, that they can go back to their home states and actually start getting some interest and building skills locally in those areas and getting bigger numbers,” she said. 

“That’s the breeding ground for referees.

“Events like this and Brisbane 2032, it sparks something in people to become high level referees both nationally and internationally. 

“Australia has a really long history of being able to run high level events, Sydney Olympics were beyond belief in terms of how the community came together and put on one of the best sports at the Olympics. Beach Volleyball has a reputation as one of the go to sports.  

“Adelaide has a strong tradition of putting on high quality events as well. This venue has been amazing, everyone has been commenting and players have been telling me how wonderful this venue is.” 

Tweedie would know, she has refereed in venues from China, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Norway, Germany, Russia, USA and more. 

After finishing as a player, where she won numerous state titles and competed internationally, Tweedie forged a stellar career as a referee. 

It’s here, where her favourite memories and friendships have been made. 

“I volunteered over in Paris last year, I got my daily hug from one of the Spanish referees, the friendships are lifelong,” she said.

“Laura Ludwig who was inducted into the Volleyball Hall of Fame, when she saw me as a volunteer, she came up and gave me a big hug. That friendship across all areas is brilliant. 

“Referees play an important role, but we are just people as well, you can come up and ask us questions, there’s lots we can learn.”

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