Paul Conner of Biddeford sets up a pair of wrestlers at the Spartan tournament in Sanford this month. He's been a referee for 13 years.
Referee Paul Conner of Biddeford declares a winner while officiating at the Spartan Wrestling Tournament in Sanford this month. Conner competed in junior and senior high school.
Referee Paul Conner of Biddeford makes a call while officiating at the Spartan Wrestling Tournament. His son competed in the Westbrook wrestling programs.
Paul Conner of Biddeford, center, relaxes in between matches with fellow referees at the Spartan Wrestling Tournament. He's retired from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Referee Paul Conner of Biddeford watches competition while officiating at the Spartan Wrestling Tournament in Sanford. He says his favorite parts of the job are the action on the mat, the interaction with the kids, and watching them grow in the sport over the years.
Referee Paul Conner of Biddeford stays low to keep an eye on the competition at the Spartan Wrestling Tournament in Sanford. The hardest part of the job for him is when kids get hurt, since he cannot prevent injuries, and there is a lot of pressure to make the right calls.
On the Job 
