Dianne Barker, a trailblazing figure in curling, has built a distinguished career as an official and volunteer after overcoming early hurdles in the sport. From lobbying her high school for entry fees to officiating at Olympic levels, her journey highlights persistence and professionalism in curling's governance. Barker's story, chronicled in a local column, underscores her lasting impact on the sport in Kamloops and beyond.
Dianne Barker was born in Vancouver and grew up in the small town of Riondel on the east side of Kootenay Lake, where she watched her parents curl but could not join until age 15 due to local club rules. When her family moved to Kamloops that year, she eagerly took up high school curling. Eager to compete in the provincials, Barker lobbied her school for the $25 entry fee, as curling was not yet recognized as a supported sport. The vice-principal, skeptical of curling's status, finally approved it, remarking, “The only reason I’m signing this is to get you out of my sight!”
Barker pursued an education degree at UBC, majoring in physical education, before returning to Kamloops. She curled competitively for nearly 20 years, serving as third in the Scotties Provincials in 1985 and 1987. She also participated in the Kamloops Curling Club's New Year’s Eve tradition of sneaking onto the ice at midnight to throw the first rock of the year.
Her volunteer contributions are extensive: roles with Kamloops Ladies Curling, the club's board of directors, hosting the 1996 Brier, and serving on CurlBC and the Canadian Curling Association board for five years. In the 1970s, Barker developed an interest in officiating, gaining prominence in 1986 at the Mixed Curling Championships in Kamloops—Vic Rauter's first TSN broadcast.
Now a Level 5 official, she has headed events including Scotties, Briers, Europeans, Worlds, and Olympics, earning respect for her fair and professional decisions amid high pressure. A memorable moment came at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, where she measured sponsorship logos on belt buckles. When a player from 'a country somewhere east of Newfoundland' lifted his shirt, Barker quipped, “There are all kinds of cameras around here and if someone takes a picture of me, I’ll likely be sent home on the next plane.”
Barker advises aspiring officials to 'just go for it,' noting the rewarding travels and connections. Her awards span nearly 30 years, cementing her legacy in curling.