**World Snooker Championship Referees Balancing High-Flying Careers On and Off the Baize**
While the World Snooker Championship brings together some of the sport’s finest competitors, few viewers are aware of the unique double lives led by the sport’s top referees. One such official, Malgorzata Kanieska, has recently shed light on the challenge of juggling her prestigious officiating role with a demanding career outside of sport, underscoring the dedication required behind the scenes.
Malgorzata Kanieska, originally from Poland, has steadily built a reputation as one of snooker’s most respected referees since she started officiating at European Tour events back in 2010. Her career has reached new heights with notable appearances at marquee tournaments. In 2023, she took charge of the Tour Championship final between Shaun Murphy and Kyren Wilson, and soon after made her debut at the Crucible Theatre during the World Snooker Championship itself. Kanieska has presided over several key matches, including the last-32 encounter featuring Welsh contender Daniel Wells, and Chris Wakelin’s notable victory over Neil Robertson.
Despite her standing in the snooker world, Kanieska revealed on *Framed: The Snooker Podcast* that her life is a careful balancing act. When asked about her path to the top, she explained: “When I did my first professional event I was studying. Now, I’m just working full-time and I take days off to go to tournaments, and that’s the biggest change.” It is a remarkable display of commitment, as she carefully plans her schedule to accommodate the busy snooker calendar.
Delving into her professional life outside snooker, Kanieska occupies a highly responsible role at a Polish airline company. “I work for Polish airlines, where I optimise systems for the upcoming days,” she shared. Her tasks extend far beyond routine office work: “There is a manager on duty but when you think about all the aircrafts coming in, and if something happens, you need to know how to make the network look the best, how to avoid delays, over-bookings and how to find the best options for the flights to perform.”
She openly acknowledged the significance of her responsibilities, both within the world of aviation and on the snooker table. “I can cancel flights,” she conceded. “When there is industrial action, or airports can be closed, or all aircrafts can be damaged, I have the power to cancel flights – luckily, I do not contact passengers so that makes it easier.” Her objectivity and decisiveness serve her well, whether commanding the attention of snooker greats or managing complex airline operations.
Kanieska is frank about the compromises required by her sporting passion. “I use all my days off for the tournament. As much as I like snooker, it’s not a holiday,” she remarked. This honest admission highlights the sacrifices made by top officials, who often balance professional ambitions with a love of the game, devoting personal time to support international tournaments.
She’s not alone in leading a dual career. Tatiana Woollaston, another referee at the highest level and partner of snooker player Ben Woollaston, has also successfully managed two careers. Since making her Crucible debut in 2020, Woollaston has officiated significant matches, including last year’s World Championship semi-final and the UK Championship final featuring Judd Trump and Barry Hawkins.
Woollaston, like Kanieska, returns to her daily vocation after headline events. Her day job sees her working as a merchandiser for the retailer Next. “That’s a surprise for people, that I’ve got a full-time job,” she said. “Refereeing is my hobby. [Next] is a great company to work for and they’re very supportive of my refereeing career.”
Acknowledging the practicalities of balancing the two worlds, Woollaston added, “They’ve been flexible with giving me time off when I need to go away, or I sometimes work from hotel rooms rather than come into the office. They’re really proud to see me on TV.” These behind-the-scenes stories reveal that the sport’s most respected officials are not only skilled professionals but also experts in time management and dedication.
The dual lives led by figures such as Kanieska and Woollaston are testament to their passion for snooker and their determination to succeed both within and beyond the sporting arena. Their commitment, resilience, and enthusiasm offer a fresh perspective on what it means to perform at the top – on the green baize and in busy workplaces alike.