Rob started refereeing in 2011 and has worked at WST events since 2013. He has taken charge of several world ranking finals including the 2023 UK Championship clash between Ronnie O'Sullivan and Ding Junhui. He also works as an Assistant Tournament Director.
From: Stockport
Highest break: 139
Qualified as a referee: 2011
First pro match: A PTC event in Gloucester, it was Anthony Hamilton v Stephen Maguire
Most memorable match: Has to be the 2022 Masters semi-final between Neil Robertson and Mark Williams - it was my first Masters and the match was superb.
Most embarrassing moment: Probably during the Covid pandemic when we had to referee wearing masks. Ben Woollaston asked me to remove a hair from the cue ball and I marked the cue ball, removed it and blew on it. Totally forgot I was wearing a mask.
If you weren’t a referee, what would you do? I’d have to say I'd still be a detective, which I was fortunate enough to achieve in my previous Police career. Every single day was different.
Which is the toughest rule to apply? Hitting two balls simultaneously.
What do you carry in your pocket? Two ball markers, a coin and most recently a safety pin after my dress suit button fell off just before a TV match.
Where do you get your gloves? Various places, they are difficult to find nowadays.
Interests: I`m away working most of the time but when I`m home I mainly spend time with my family and catch up with friends. And I try to fit in a Stockport County match with my son if possible.