Ollie took charge of his first Southern Premier match, between Clinton and Clutha Valley, under the lights in Clinton, starting at 7pm on July 4.
The Valley took a convincing 66-10 win in a game characterised by tight marshalling of the 30 bigger, older athletes by Shore and his team
Shore’s informal coach and mentor, Clutha-based premier referee Caleb Neilson said it was a very well-run game.
"Ollie’s driven and has a great attitude.
"He wants to hear feedback and get better ... he’s very coachable," Mr Neilson said
Ollie first started with Otago Rugby Referees Association in 2020, running the touchlines most Saturdays.
He was awarded #1 ranked New Zealand Youth Referee for 2023-24, and was noted for great form with the variety of games he has refereed this season, including 1st XV, premier colts and premier development in Dunedin.
"I played rugby from when I was little until about halfway through high school ... Then I got to have a go as a ref and found out I enjoyed that a lot more," Ollie said.
"My sport is refereeing."
Ollie’s reputation for responsibility and reliability in the community was earned early. He is head boy at South Otago High School and joined the Balclutha Volunteer Fire Brigade when he was 16.
"Ollie’s been a very rewarding young man to train and work with," Balclutha chief fire officer Jason Lyall said.
Ollie said he wanted to pursue rugby refereeing as far as it would take him, and he has plans to begin a career as a paramedic.
"I’ve been really lucky with the adults in my life.
"My parents have always supported me and men like Caleb and Jason always took me seriously and helped me do my best."
