How Bob Bomas represents the Netherlands at the highest level of curling
He’s a player, referee, coach, and trainer. But above all, Bob Bomas is someone who dedicates himself wholeheartedly to the development of curling in the Netherlands and beyond. In 2026, he will once again serve as a referee at the Olympic Games in Milan – Cortina. “I want to help people grow. In sport, but also as individuals.”
Balance between work and curling
Bob trained as a financial professional and now works as an interim financial, specialising in financial accounting, management accounting and change processes. “I typically work around 32 hours per week for a client. Outside of that, sport takes up a big part of my life.”
He combines his sporting activities with work. His daughters are also active in sport at an international level, making curling very much a family affair. “Lisenka and I also started playing internationally together,” he shared earlier. “We’ve played at several World Championships.”
His curling journey began after seeing a match on television. “I looked into where I could play. Heerenveen was the closest club and I’ve never left.” Maintaining the balance between work and sport isn’t always easy, he admits, but he manages.
From referee to trainer
Bob began refereeing in the Netherlands in 2011. His first international tournament followed in 2015, in Sochi. Since then, he’s officiated at European and World Championships at all levels, often as referee or (assistant) chief umpire.
In 2021, he also became an international trainer for referees, mainly across Europe, Asia, and Oceania. He was invited to join by World Curling. “Seven referees were selected. We underwent training through the World Academy of Sports.”
He actively encourages others to develop internationally. “If I meet referees who have the potential to take that step, I encourage them to get involved at the international level.”
His motivation lies in supporting others in their development, both in sport and personally. He aims to push people out of their comfort zones and motivates them to volunteer and stay active in the sport.
He also finds the cultural differences across countries fascinating. Worldwide, there are around 150 officials active at the international level.
Selected for the Olympic Games in Milan – Cortina
“I’ve been appointed as one of the referees,” Bob says. After Beijing, this will be his second time at the world’s biggest curling tournament. The previous Olympics took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, making it a very unusual edition. “In Beijing, we stayed in a hotel with only officials and media. The whole place was fenced off with barriers three or four metres high. The only way out was by shuttle bus or taxi. Even the drivers stayed in the bubble for weeks.”
His ambition as a referee is clear: “I’d love to have the chance to officiate at least once at every major tournament. One dream that’s still on my list is the Men’s World Championship in Canada.”
Earlier this year, he took part himself as a player at the World Senior Championships in Canada.
Helping the sport grow
According to Bob, curling in the Netherlands needs to grow at both the elite and grassroots levels. “When TeamNL competes at the Olympics, there’s a lot of exposure. But we need to build from the bottom as well.”
He sees clinics as a key entry point. “Come visit one of the four clubs and try a training session. At our club in Friesland, about 2,500 people take part in a clinic each year.”
Vebego and curling
As the main sponsor of the Dutch Curling Association, Vebego plays a key role in raising the profile of curling in the Netherlands, not only by supporting elite athletes, but especially by investing in the wider sport.
Bob’s story ties in seamlessly: encouraging, training and guiding people to develop further, both within and outside of sport.
