Neasden’s Helen Davies has successfully attained her B licence which will enable to officiate at some of judo’s premier European events.

The long-time judo figure flew out to the German Senior European Cup to take a rigorous Continental Referee Examination in Hamburg from 6 to 8 August.

Helen, who started judo in 1979 as a form of self-defence, started coaching in 1990 and refereeing in 2000.

“The journey to this point has been hard work and it doesn’t stop here,” she said.

“I will continue to work on my refereeing so that I will hopefully be able to obtain my International A licence, which is where I would like to be, to be able to referee at the highest level of events.

“Having reached my continental B licence I’m now able to travel to European events with the GB team and meet a wider range of referees and friends within the Judo world.”

A long-time member of the London Area, Helen qualified as a Competition Official in 1994 and reached Competition Controller in 1996

The English official is currently training to become an examiner for junior and area referees as she looks to encourage the next generation of officials into the sport.

“I’m doing the training so I can give back knowledge and experience to people just starting out as referees, and since January 2010, I have been the acting Director of Referees for the London Area.

“In January 2008 I was successful in being put onto the IJF programme and have been assessed and mentored over the past two years at all national events to be able to achieve my Continental B licence, which I passed in Hamburg in August 2010.”

Her development has been aided by mentoring from Elaine Down, one of Britain’s leading referees and National Volunteer Manager for the British Judo Association.

Elaine, who’s made over 50 international representations for Britain over the last 10 years, has seen her protégé flourish on the domestic circuit.

“I have mentored Helen during her refereeing career and have watched her flourish as a very competent and diligent referee,” said the well-travelled referee.

“Through her experiences as a coach and player her observation and appreciation of the rules are of a very high standard. She has progressed through the referee awards steadily over the last 10 years gaining valuable experience at each level  and has refereed throughout the country at all levels of events for both senior and junior players."

Helen joined the Continental Referee Programme in January 2008 after waiting four years from passing her National Referee Award in May 2004.

Elaine added: “The National Referee Commission are extremely pleased at Helen’s recent success in Hamburg and look forward to her working alongside her International and Continental Colleagues representing Great Britain abroad at future championships.”