Officiating
Get closer to the action
Officiating - judging or assisting at athletics competitions - is a great way to see the action from close up. It also makes you a vital cog in the machine as without officials to judge the events there can be no athletics competitions.
Officials can choose to specialise in areas such as field events, track judging, race starting, timing, photo-finish and directing athletes in cross country races. England Athletics runs courses that will help you become qualified in whatever you are interested in and to the level that suits you. The higher your level of qualification, the more opportunities you will have to officiate at regional, national and even international athletics events.
Officiating is fun, flexible, educational and great for mental and physical health – and gives you the chance to make lots of great memories and friendships along the way. Being at the heart of events, officials can be the friendly smile, the encouraging voice and the supporting influence to inspire and encourage the next generation of people to progress within the sport across all the roles.
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If you are able to come to one or two events per year, help out once a month or once a week, there is an opportunity for everyone to be a part of the officiating community.
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The officiating journey
A good athletics official is diligent, observant, enthusiastic and encouraging. No experience of the events is required although it certainly will help. The technical aspects of judging the events and how to work with athletes, coaches and your fellow officials are all covered in the courses run by England Athletics.
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If you are unsure what type of officiating you would like to do or are not clear what is involved be sure to speak to an official at your local athletics club. They will explain the different tasks involved and help you decide what area to specialise in.
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Click here to find out more about officiating and the different qualifications available: