Any positive feedback is welcome when you are a referee.
The 29-year-old has been named The Tarn Group Official of the Year at the ASB Otago Sports Awards.
He received the nod ahead of veteran hockey official Martin Glossop and respected international cricket umpire Chris Gaffaney, thanks to a tremendous 12 months behind the whistle which culminated in a professional contract and a Super Rugby debut.
‘‘To win it against two guys who are doing pretty well was humbling,’’ Doleman said.
‘‘It is not all about awards but it is nice to be able to reflect back on it.’’
Doleman took up refereeing when a broken collar bone ended his playing career 10 years ago.
A year after his refereeing debut, he was controlling premier club games and made his Heartland debut in 2014.
But it was on the world sevens circuit where he made his name. He has clocked up more than 100 games in the series and last year he refereed the final at the Hong Kong tournament.
‘‘When I was living overseas I used to go to Hong Kong quite a bit and sevens rugby was my first real exposure to rugby.
‘‘To be involved in the circuit has been awesome but to actually ref the final in Hong Kong was a massive highlight.’’
Another high point was being selected to referee at the World Junior Championships in Argentina last year.
His form was so impressive he was awarded the final.
‘‘That was just completely unexpected and was definitely up there in terms of highlights.’’
Doleman’s progress certainly did not go unnoticed.
He was awarded a professional contract and refereed seven Mitre 10 Cup games, including the Premiership semifinal between Tasman and Auckland and the Ranfurly Shield game between Canterbury and North Harbour.
And in March he made his Super Rugby debut when he controlled the Rebels-Lions match in Melbourne.
‘‘To get a Super Rugby debut is what I’ve been working towards for a while now, so to get that was massive.’’
Covid-19 interrupted his progress as sport across the globe suddenly come to a halt.
But Super Rugby Aotearoa will resume next month and Doleman is hopeful he will find himself on the roster.
‘‘Fingers crossed, I can get another game.’’
Referees are just as competitive as the players and his goal is to get to the top.
‘‘You have to take it one game at a time but for me the pinnacle is to be involved in the biggest game that I can possibly be involved in. That is why I referee.’’
