Case Study: Referee Rod Eaton May Look Familiar (If You Watch Professional Snooker!)

Many people have a feeling they've met Rod Eaton before but can't quite place his face – until they realise he's one of many referees who have the important task of officiating professional snooker at prestigious tournaments worldwide. 

'Yes, people often do a double-take and don't initially realise where they have seen me. I have been in their living room but, to be honest, they are probably looking more at the players and focusing on the game,' says Rod who was a referee and marker at the World Seniors Snooker Championship at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre from 7th to 11th May.  

He is pictured above left with the prize Claret Jug. The right photo shows him standing between Tony Knowles (Eng) on the left and Hassan Kerde (Aust) on the right shaking hands after he officiated the first match. Kerde won 4-0 making four 50+ breaks, while Knowles scored just 61 points. The overall winner was 48-year-old Alfie Burden after he defeated Aaron Canavan 8-4, but Rod was not pictured with either 'as they were whisked away very quickly for their press interviews!'

Rod has played snooker himself from an early age. He qualified as a referee in 2018 and became a World Snooker referee in 2020. The role has involved a lot of travelling both at home and abroad.

'It's a great job. I have refereed in the Welsh Open, English Open, Gibraltar Open and Wuhan Open amongst others and met top players. In 2020 I refereed at the Crucible, Sheffield, for World Seniors,' reveals Rod, who recently refereed in the World Snooker Federation (WSF) Championship, held in Morocco from 24th January to February 1st and  stayed at the Radisson Blu Resort in Saidia. 

He adds, 'It was very exciting and I was thrilled to referee the final.'

Above: Rod is pictured with winner (right) Gao Yang and runner-up (left) Brian Cini during the WSF championship held in Morocco at the beginning of the year.

Case Stude: Rod Eaton

By Andy

I have been treating Rod for a really stiff upper cervical spine (top of his neck) which is possibly a postural issue that has caused 'wear and tear' over the years. He suffers with tension, pain and headaches in his neck and back of the head. He also has a restriction in his mobility and this has affected his ability to play snooker himself as he cannot lift his head up as he addresses the ball with the cue.

My treatment has involved a combination of joint mobilisation, soft-tissue release, acupuncture and passive stretches. Rodney also has an exercise programme and is trying to work on improving his posture. He has much less pain and more movement. He is now even able to look up more easily to see the ball as he is playing snooker.

Now, I just need to convince him to coach me so I can improve my snooker game and maybe enter the World Snooker Championships – in my dreams!

Above: Rod watches Stephen Hendry, the seven times World Champion Champion snooker player (now a pundit and commentator), focus on his shot at the World Seniors Snooker Championship, held at the Crucible in 2020. Read on for Rod's Case Study.

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