Blowing the Whistle: An Australian Linesperson’s Journey to the World Stage

When Beth Bowshall first pulled on the black-and-white stripes in 2011, she never imagined the places it would take her. Just a year later, she was already working her first National Championship. Since then, her whistle has echoed not only across Australian rinks but international arenas – from Sweden to Denmark to Asia.

“I hope my story can show people that officiating can take you all over the world” Bowshall says. “There are opportunities to travel within Australia and overseas. We always need more game officials.”

Early Days on the Ice

Like many officials, Bowshall’s first games were modest – local rinks, junior players, and plenty of on-the-job learning. And by 2012, she was standing in the spotlight, assigned to the Ginsberg National Championship gold medal game.

That debut sparked a run of high-profile national assignments that quickly established her as one of the Australia’s most reliable linespersons:

• DeFris Gold in 2013
• Ginsberg Gold in 2014
• Browns Gold and Bronze in 2016
• AJIHL and Tange Golds in 2017
• Multiple AWIHL Golds between 2018 and 2024

 Crossing Borders

National success soon opened international doors and in 2016, Bowshall earned her first IIHF assignment at the Challenge Cup of Asia. Officiating opportunities then took her to U18 Women’s Worlds, Division 1A and 1B Women’s Worlds.

By 2025, Bowshall will have represented Australia at eight IIHF tournaments, including the Asia Women’s Championship and the Women’s Worlds Division 2B. Her international résumé doesn’t stop there. Bowshall has also:

·         Officiated the Danish Women’s League Finals in 2017 and 2019

·         Worked games in the SDHL, Sweden’s premier women’s league

·         Taken part in a U18 women’s series between Sweden and Finland

·         Officiated pre-Worlds matchups featuring Denmark vs Canada, Denmark vs Finland, Czechia vs Germany

·         Logged 23 games in Denmark’s Division 1 and U18 men’s leagues in 2024

On the Finals Stage

Most recently, Bowshall’s selection to officiate in the AIHL Finals for 2025 marked a historic milestone. She became the first female official ever chosen to work the AIHL Finals. Since there are only four linesperson positions at finals, earning one is always highly competitive.

“I was very surprised to get the call,” she admits. “To be considered among the best in the AIHL this season is an honour.”

Each assignment has brought new challenges, a different brand of hockey, and a bigger stage. And despite her international experience, Bowshall says there’s something uniquely special about stepping onto the ice at home. The recent AIHL Finals at Melbourne’s were held at the O’Brien Icehouse — an Olympic-sized rink that always delivers an extra buzz.

“It’s always great to work the Melbourne arena,” Bowshall says. “Finals hockey is awesome – everyone is playing hard, and it’s very fun to work.”

 What’s Next

Domestically, Bowshall has just one box left to tick: the AIHL Gold Medal Game. Internationally, her ambitions are even higher. Starting with the U18 Women’s Worlds Top Division, ultimately, she aims to officiate at a Women’s Worlds Top Division event.

“At an international level, I hope to be the first Australian to work an A pool tournament,” she says. “That’s the dream.”

A Call to Officiate

For Bowshall, officiating has been more than a role  – it’s been a passport. From the moment she picked up the whistle, it has carried her across continents, into professional leagues, and onto the ice with some of the best players in the world.

And she believes, others can follow the same path.

“No refs, no game. That’s the reality,” Bowshall says. “If you’ve ever thought about getting involved, sign up for a referee course. Who knows where it might take you?”

By: Christopher Parks - IHA Referee in Chief