Sofia Papapostolou entered a purely male-dominated field and succeeded on her merits. She is currently the only female international referee, something that a few years ago would have seemed unthinkable.
Its history begins in Alexandria Imathia. From an early age she turned to fencing, became a member of the National team, went to TEFAA and somewhere there she also got to know boxing, without ever competing as an athlete.
The sport fascinated her, she got to the point of studying it more and more, until she decided to deal with refereeing.
He did it and with hard work he reached a high level. Sofia got the first star, she got the second star, she got to officiate matches at the international level and get everyone’s respect.
She believes that the role of the referee in boxing is very important, as it is the factor that can largely ensure the smooth conduct of a match and the safety of the referees.
He has come to Patras many times for competitions, he loves the city very much, he has been with Patrinas on missions abroad and he has the best relations with them.
Her take on the new guys getting into boxing is great. “At first there was some questioning, but that was mainly from the older ones.
The new guys are educated and totally respect our role. I don’t have the slightest complaint. To be involved in refereeing you need to have a strong stomach in all sports. When you work, you will be rewarded”, he says characteristically.
How did a woman get ‘involved’ with boxing refereeing?
“I am a gymnast. So I have a general knowledge of all sports. Because I was in the Fencing team, then we trained at SEF with the Boxing team. I then asked to be explained to me exactly what I was seeing in boxing because I mightn’t understand. As soon as they explained it to me, I really liked it, I was fascinated. It seemed to me that it was quite a challenge for a woman to take up boxing. Then I attended the seminars and became a referee. But I had seen a lot of boxing before, even though I wasn’t an athlete.”
How difficult was it for a woman to break into this space?
“It was very difficult. It is a purely male-dominated space. Only in recent years have some women entered. It didn’t exist before.”
Did you encounter obstacles?
“Yes Yes. I was met with skepticism, not much more just so I don’t get it wrong. A woman being in a space dominated by men was something they might not easily accept. Of course, I should say that the young guys mostly have respect for women, they respect our role. The biggest problem was with the older ones. Those who were left in the belief that only a man can succeed and that a woman has no place in the field. I have no complaints regarding the new kids who are more educated. Anyway, we have amazing relations, they understand our role and there is cooperation”.
What made you persevere despite the obstacles you encountered?
“I’m generally a persistent person. I don’t give up easily anywhere in my life, so I didn’t think regarding giving up in this case either. And besides, as I mentioned before, I was fascinated by the sport. I found that it is difficult, it takes tactics, technique. It’s not just two athletes trading blows. It is something much more.”
How hard is it to referee a boxing match?
“It’s very difficult because it requires 100% of yourself in the ring. Do not forget that the children exchange punches and blows. It is not tennis, badminton or any other sport. First of all is the safety of the athletes, so there is no excuse for mistakes in the ring from us. There are a lot of continuous hits and you have to distinguish which are normal, which are illegal, which violations are committed, so that the athletes are protected. That’s why we’re in the ring.”
Well, the referee has a big share of responsibility to guard the safety of the athletes…
“The referee has the biggest stake in making the match exactly how it should be. He has to be constantly present in the match, be very focused and have his attention focused only there.”
Were there any races where the thing seemed to get out of hand and become dangerous?
“This happens several times in boxing matches, but the kids, both in Greece and abroad, are very well trained by their coaches, so that no big issues are created in the ring. So they themselves know how to protect themselves and their opponent. And that’s very good for us too.”
What was the most difficult moment for you?
“Once in a knockout. Fortunately, the child was unharmed. It was the first time I said “oh what’s going on here”. So far I have not been in a difficult position once more. Everything has gone well.”
After how many years did the second star you got come?
“We take exams, nothing is given to us. Two years ago I got the first star and now the second. I took the exam at a world level tournament in Romania and got the second star.”
What are the qualities that a top boxing referee should have?
“It’s very simple. To reach such a level it takes work, work and work. Those who work will be rewarded. You can never say you know it all. You keep learning. First, regulations change frequently. A good referee is definitely made by experience, especially going up to the rings abroad very often. The boxing that is played abroad is more sophisticated than in our country and it is good for the referees to be in such tournaments.”
How are Greek referees selected for games abroad?
“For referees who have two stars, like me, our Federation suggests which games we go to.”
Would you encourage a young kid to take up refereeing in boxing, or the sport itself?
“To answer you, I will tell you that my son is involved in boxing. That says it all. Now for the refereeing, I would suggest it to boys and girls who have a strong stomach. I think this is necessary in any sport, not only in boxing.”
You had a strong stomach. Do you think the new generation of girls can pull it off?
“It will be seen from the result. From what I see, there is an appetite, because many new girls have signed up for the refereeing schools, which are scheduled to take place. I hope they stay in the sport and don’t get disappointed. But I’ll say it once more: It takes a lot of work, nothing is given to anyone.”
You have not been involved in boxing as an athlete. Do you think it helps to have a background in the sport?
“I don’t know if it helps. It is a different perspective of a former athlete and another perspective of someone who knows the regulations well without the sentimentality, which makes him more vulnerable, without this being absolute either. Depending on the case, I would say.”
The next goal is the Olympics?
“The next goal is to get the third star on the condition that in between I have the appetite and the time to work. That’s the goal for now.”
Have you received complaints from the athletes at the games? And if so, what bothered you the most?
“Nothing bothers me. Everyone has complaints, coaches, athletes and those involved. If I feel that I have done my job correctly, I don’t mind. In fact, I completely understand the one who feels wronged.”
I ask you why in boxing there is no VAR, nor the possibility for the referee to see a blow on video…
“No there is not. But on hits where the referee is in doubt, he has the jurisdiction to ask the five judges around the corner whether the hit is legal or not. So, many times a wrong or disputed suggestion can be corrected and the regulation gives us that possibility.”
As far as I know, have you been to Patras several times for competitions?
“Yes many times. I really like the city. When they tell me that we will come to Patras for games, I am very happy. The local committee, Mr. Synadinos, the coaches Mr. Pleas, Pelekoudas, like all of them, are excellent. I don’t have the slightest complaint. I enjoy being in your city. Obviously, I know that he has a long tradition in the sport. With many of the children we are also together on missions abroad and I have the best opinion”.
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