Developing the next generation of officials with Loughborough University

England Athletics and Loughborough University have partnered to deliver an exciting new initiative, offering a series of officiating courses for students across the university campus. Through the Track Judge, Field Judge and Photo Finish programmes, more than a dozen students have gained nationally recognised training and valuable practical experience.

The programmes were split across two morning sessions, followed by live practical experience in the afternoon, alongside support and encouragement from tutors and experienced officials. The supportive environment, which brought together people of different ages with a shared passion for athletics, was fantastic to see.

The benefits have been significant. The programme has strengthened and diversified our officiating workforce, creating a more sustainable pool of trained officials to support competitions and events both at Loughborough and within the wider athletics community.

Learning through experience

This first cohort of students will continue to learn and develop through their practical experience at events and will help to support future students who participate in this project through the partnership between Loughborough University and England Athletics.

For the students involved, the experience has gone far beyond the technical aspects of officiating. Through training, mentoring and hands-on application, they have developed confidence, communication skills, teamwork, professionalism and decision-making under pressure. These experiences not only prepare them to contribute to the future of athletics officiating but also equip them with a wide range of transferable skills that will support their future careers and personal development.

One critical element of this collaboration relates to the use of "CV building" as a key outcome. While employability is an important part of what Loughborough University does and is certainly a positive by-product of these opportunities, the primary focus is on developing knowledge, competence and confidence. Feedback has indicated that when students focus on genuinely building their skills and capability, stronger employability follows naturally.

This approach resonates particularly well with the students the university works with and helps encourage longer-term engagement and development, rather than participation solely for CV enhancement.

Building a sustainable future for athletics

Feedback from students, officials and tutors was overwhelmingly positive, with many citing that it was heart-warming to bring different generations together in a relaxed and friendly environment, making the learning experience even more enjoyable for everyone involved.

This programme and the collaboration between the higher education sector, including Loughborough University and England Athletics, will continue to grow, and we look forward to working together to showcase the many benefits that developing life skills through the officiating side of the sport can bring. The programme demonstrates how athletics can bring different generations together while highlighting the many positive aspects of the sport.

Interested in becoming an athletics official or finding out more about officiating opportunities? Whether you're a student, volunteer or lifelong athletics enthusiast, discover how you can get involved and help shape the future of our sport.