Athletes need officials for fair and safe competition
With every team competition, our club is involved in, we as a club need to supply officials as track judges, timekeepers and field officials. They are an intricate part of the team as they secure points for every official, the total of points from official’s over a series of matches, could mean promotion or relegation for our club.
We have teams in the:
Northern Youth Development League: which caters for under 13, under 15, and under 17 athletes, 4 matches all on Sundays for the 2022 season.
Northern Senior League: for U20 and senior, master’s athletes, 4 matches over the season at weekends.
North East & South Durham Harrier League: open to all age groups, 6 matches over the season on a Tuesday night (no promotion or relegation and no points for officials).
Why become an official?
- It’s fun!
- Helps you, your family and friends compete.
- Supports the club.
Types of official
Timekeepers
Using accurate timekeeping watches, time each competitor in the race. They cross-check, to ensure results are accurate. If electronic timing (photo finish) is used, they act as a back-up.
Track judges
They note the order athletes finish as well as:
- count the laps in longer races
- check different aspects: relay changeovers; position of hurdles
- check that athletes don’t impede others.
Field judges
There are four jumps – high jump, long jump, pole vault, triple jump and four throws – discus, hammer, javelin, shot.
Field judges:
- measure distance or height, and mark each on field card
- check take-off and landing of jumps
- check jump or throw is done correctly
- retrieve implements.
Training
The officials’ courses, usually a half-day or evening, will give you the knowledge to start you at the first level. The course is often run alongside a health and safety course. It is not just ‘red tape’ – speeding javelins and sprinters can be dangerous!
Paying for courses
Courses are reimbursed by the club in return for some commitment.
Level 1 Officials courses
For all disciplines will be run on Sunday 20th March 2022 at Gateshead college, book via the UKA hub website
Further information can be obtained from Marino Rea Danilowicz