Helping grass roots athletics through officiating

Hannah Partington is based in Falmouth in Cornwall and recently gained her Level 2 Starter / Starter's Assistant qualification. She explains how she got started in officiating, how her officiating journey has progressed and what she's gained from it.

The beginning of the journey

Hannah told us that she was involved in athletics in the Midlands when she was younger - and years later, when her daughter was about 12, they heard about a Saturday Club for athletics at Carn Brea, so they went along one week.

"My daughter enjoyed the taster session and that was the start of her athletics journey, and of me getting more involved in the volunteering side of the club as an Assistant Coach."

Shortly afterwards, Cornwall AC's Track and Field Chair Karen Robilliard - apparently not a woman to say no to - said more Starters/Starter's Assistants were needed. "And I thought... why not!" Hannah explains.

Hannah discovered that the Starter's Assistant role interacts with athletes quite a lot - putting them into heats, getting them organised and ensuring they are ready for their races. A Starter is basically trying to ensure a fair race for everyone.

Getting support

Hannah undertook the England Athletics Level 2 course – which she thought was a straightforward process - and felt that completing this helped her feel more connected to the sport and part of a wider team.

"Gaining experience through events and reflecting on my progress increased my appreciation of how running events work and the effort involved across the team. While I still have more to learn, I feel proud of my achievement."

Hannah feels she's gained valuable support from local Officials' Secretaries, other starters in the South West and other officials in her club.

"I feel very lucky that I have an encouraging and supportive team of starters in the South West who have been so welcoming and helpful. They've given me a lot of practical advice and guidance and have also been available to answer any queries I've had."

The officials team at her club have made the journey much more fun and enjoyable and made her feel part of the team.

"They've gently nudged me along to get my Level 2, and when you have other people invested in your journey it feels like their achievement too. I was so pleased to let them all know I'd achieved my Level 2."

Giving back

Having gained that qualification, doors are opening for her. Hannah now supports local clubs to run meetings, and explains that without officials there are no competitions.

"At a grassroots level in a county with limited access to resources it's important to step up and help grow the opportunities. I appreciate being able to grow my knowledge of the sport from an official's and technician's perspective."

Hannah told us that she gets a lot of satisfaction from helping athletes enjoy the experience when some of them are nervous. "I like to be a friendly face, but sometimes you've got to get your big voice on for crowd control."

The role of clubs

Already a dedicated volunteer for her club, Hannah explained to us her thoughts on how clubs can help others to begin their officiating journey.

"Sometimes it can feel like you're being asked for a big commitment, but officials don't have to be there all day; field officials can do just one or two events, and people should be encouraged to do that if they are unable to commit to a whole day."

Hannah also referred to her club's regular in-club competition morning, which she says is a great low-pressure way for people to have a go at officiating. "Explaining to prospective volunteers that good officials help athletes achieve their best – at whatever level - is a great motivator." She also notes that competition organisers themselves have a role to play.

"Plenty of officials get into it because their children are competing, and I've always found organisers to be really accommodating to make sure you aren't officiating when there are events you want to watch."

She adds that at a competition there may be the opportunity to pair new officials with a more experienced mentor.

What's next?

Hannah is excited to keep building her experience and grow her confidence for higher level events. We hope she continues to grow her officiating experience and move along the pathway.

Inspired by Hannah's story? There are plenty of opportunities to develop your officiating skills, gain experience and progress along your officiating journey. Find out more today!