Zoe Jaboor named as 2023 Official of the Year

Snow Australia congratulates Zoe Jaboor who has been named 2023 Snowsport Official of the Year.

This award is presented to an official who has demonstrated excellence in their role, as well as a constant contribution to the wider officiating community within their sport and commitment to continuous training and learning.

Jaboor has been involved with Snow Australia as a FIS accredited Mogul and Aerial Skiing judge for over 15 years, adjudicating events both nationally and internationally including Olympic Games. 

Following a stint on the sidelines due to injury, Jaboor's first foray into judging was at Interschools when she was 18. The experience sparked a passion for the role, with Jaboor sharing her delight at receiving recognition. 

“I feel honoured to receive this award,” she said. “I have been doing this for a long time now and I think that I am really excited to hear that it has been recognised.

“It's an absolute privilege to get to watch the best skiers in the world perform at their very best. I have just loved watching the athletes develop their skills and push their boundaries and the sports.”

Within her role as Coordinator of Judges, Jaboor is responsible for training and development of future judges, organising clinics for prospective officials to attend. 

“It’s been a huge challenge to engage the next generation of officials, it is not something that a lot of skiers think about going into, particularly from Australia,” she said. 

“At the beginning I would cast the net as wide as I could to see who would be interested, however I quickly realised that approach wasn’t working. I now have taken to identifying those who may have a passion and tapping them on the shoulder to get involved.

“While it is sometimes a challenge, it is one I enjoy and am passionate about. I really enjoy nurturing and guiding people through their licences.”

Jaboor shared that joining the officials community can be incredibly rewarding, building connections with people all over the world. 

“I would say to anyone thinking of joining, it is a great experience, the small community is just like a family.

“If you’re up for a challenge and are passionate about your sport then you have nothing to lose!”