Paul Conner, 53, of Biddeford, currently retired from the U.S. Coast Guard, grew up in a wrestling environment in Hampden, competing in junior high and high school. Years later, he watched his son compete in Westbrook’s programs. When his son graduated, Conner knew he would miss the sport, the atmosphere and the people involved, so he began officiating about 13 years ago. Conner says his favorite parts of the job include the action on the mat, the interaction with the kids, and watching them grow in the sport over the years. The hardest part is seeing the young athletes get hurt, and there also is a lot of pressure in the fast-action sport to make the right calls in a split second. Referees are paid $4.75 per match at the two-day tournaments, and a total of $66.50 for dual meets.