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Job in brief

I am one of the many volunteers who act as a technical official at athletics meetings. I specialise as a Track Judge at events ranging from local schools to national and international competitions. A technical official facilitates the running of an athletics event and ensures that competition is fair to all competitors by applying the rules laid down by uk:athletics and/or IAAF. Other technical official disciplines are Field Judge, Time Keeper, Starter and Marksmen.

Qualifications

Academic qualifications are not required. I had to take 2 written exams to get to Grade 1 (new Level 5) but a new grading system is being introduced.
A good 'stepping stone' into officiating would be to obtain the Level 1 Assistant Officials Award.
This can be done by participating in a 3-4 hour training course, after which, you would be able to assist qualified officials at athletics events.

Work Experience

I competed for several years and I also loved watching athletics on television.

Skills required

You have to be impartial, decisive, focused, athlete-centred, consistent, diplomatic, calm and unobtrusive.

Your path

I became an official while I was still in the Royal Air Force, qualified in 1993 as a Grade 4 and worked my way up to become a Grade 1 in 1999. In 2003 I was appointed to Track Referee. I can now take charge of the track events at national and international events.
As well as judging and umpiring, I also enjoy operating photofinish equipment which records the finish of a race electronically.
I have been very lucky to be selected for many top events which include the 2002 Commonwealth Games and 2003 World Indoor Championships.

Advice

You don't have to be a good athlete to become a good official. If you have an interest in athletics and want to become more involved get in contact with your local club or find out more by visiting the uk:athletics web site and going to 'Get Involved'.