Longtime Badger Region official Patti Dawson wins USA Volleyball’s Silver Whistle Award
Wednesday, June 1st, 2022
Longtime Badger Region official Patti Dawson received USA Volleyball’s Silver Whistle Award on Thursday, May 26, 2022, in advance of the Open National Championships in Orlando, Fla.
This award recognizes the individual deemed as the most outstanding rookie referee of the year from the previous year’s USA Open Championship Event.
The criteria for the award requires the official to referee a minimum of eight matches at a United States Open Championship event as a USA National Referee in his/her first assignment at this level following certification at this rating.
Looking back
Like many coaches, Dawson first started officiating when she started coaching in the early 1990s.
Now, 30 years later, Dawson continues to coach both players and referees in the Badger Region.
“My contribution that means the most to me is when I can mentor a newer official and give them some of the feedback and tip I’ve gotten along the way,” Dawson said. “Hopefully sharing my love of the sport with them.”
A resident and native of New Berlin, Wisconsin, Dawson earned her Junior National certification in 2015 and her National Certification in 2019. She is currently a national scorer certification candidate.
Dawson credits her many mentors along the way for her success and admits she is “scared to miss someone.” Some of her mentors she has looked up to along the way include Pati Rolf, Dale Rohde, Jim Momsen and Jim Arts.
“I honestly learn something from everyone I cross paths with,” she said.
Her goals as a National Official are to give back to her fellow officials in any way possible and to continue to learn and grow in her craft.
Dawson, who is a proud owner of horses and dogs, recently became a grandmother and continues to also work with youths in the Badger Region, most recently coaching the Midwest Penguins G11s in the 2020-21 season.
What’s her favorite memory? She said, “Anytime I get positive feedback from players, coaches or parents, that becomes a favorite memory!”
Dawson tells newer officials that to be the best they can, they should focus on being consistent, professional and kind at all times. “And learn something from every match you officiate,” she said.
