He introduction to the sport came as a volunteer in 1993 in Ottawa, where soon after he became a referee officiating games across Canada and the United States.

In 2002 he was appointed as the IWRF's Technical Commissioner, and served in that
role through 2010.

Main is a graduate of Bachelor of Engineering from the Royal Military College of Canada, Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba and a Masters of Information Studies from the University of Toronto in social sciences.

He has had a long career with Canadia's Federal Public Service and the Canadian Forces and is also a former chief executive of British Columbia Rowing.

Main has been employed on a part-time basis by the IWRF as secretary general since
September 2010, and will become the Federation's first full-time employee, based at its new headquarters in Delta, British Columbia.

"This is an exciting time for our organisation, and I am pleased that Eron has agreed to be our secretary general," said John Bishop, the IWRF President.

"Having access to his experience and skills on a full-time basis will be a great benefit to our members around the globe, as well as for the sport itself."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]