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‘It could make me cry’ – History-making female referee retires from traditional snooker in emotional statement
May 13, 2025
SNOOKER referee Michaela Tabb has announced she is stepping away from the sport.
Tabb was on the baize for the World Seniors Snooker Tour final between Alfie Burden and Aaron Canavan on Sunday.
She announced she would be retiring from refereeing following the contest.
The Scot said: "I'm excited to hang up my gloves if I'm being honest, for traditional snooker. I think I've done my time.
"I’m getting to an age where it would be nice to watch other people doing that, especially after seeing another female coming up now and refereeing the final at the main World Championships.
“It’s been like 15 years that we’ve been waiting for that to sort of happen.
"So I’m happy now to let the young guns do it."
Tabb, 57, made history as the first female referee at a world ranking tournament.
She made her debut back in 2002 after being fast-tracked by impressed snooker bosses.
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Tabb would go on to officiate the 2009 and 2012 Crucible finals.
She left the World Snooker Tour in March 2015 after reaching a settlement with the WST.
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Tabb added: "I will still work with Snooker Legends and I’ll still do the 900.
"But for traditional snooker, my day will be finished.
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