REFEREE, umpire, judge. Whatever terminology is used in your sport there is one thing that cannot be disputed, one thing they all these terms have in common, and that is we need them. We also need to ensure that we are continuously nurturing new recruits into these roles so that sport can continue to function.

So for me, the question is, do they get the respect they deserve? When you think of the top level of sport, the hours of training and personal sacrifice that each of these individuals undertake so that we can participate in sport, I think perhaps they do not.

There are times when we forget that officials are human. Some of the criticism that can be levelled at them is extremely distasteful and in some extreme instances can feel threatening.

Now let’s be honest here, I am not saying that officials always call it right, they sometimes make mistakes. Hands up those who have never made a mistake, particularly in a high-powered situation when you have a split second to call it. But without their guidance, leadership and knowledge of the rules, sport would suffer.

At Scottish Women in Sport we are showing our gratitude to the many unsung officials and will be presenting an award to the Official of the Year at our Gala Awards Dinner on November 9. I’m really not sure if this is a category that is included in other sporting awards, however we believe that officials are an integral part of sport and that their efforts should be recognised along with the achievements of our sporting heroes, coaches and clubs.

If you would like to take part, nominations are open from now until October 7. Your nominee doesn’t need to be participating in the top level of sport. This category is open to all and it could be a mum or dad who take time out of their busy schedule to help out their local club, a teacher who helps out after school, or the official who is centre stage at a high-profile competition. Every entry we receive will be judged on its own merits.

Send us your nomination by visiting www.swisawards.co.uk