How different volunteer roles at clubs can get everyone involved in athletics

Volunteers are an integral part of our sport and athletes would not be able compete without officials giving their time. We caught up with Amy, a Level 2 Field Judge from Yeovil Olympiads AC, at the South West Championships to find out more about her officiating journey so far, the role clubs can play in encouraging volunteers and her advice to aspiring officials.

From local sandpit to World Championship ambitions

Amy’s officiating journey started whilst she was watching her daughter compete in athletics competitions. Four years ago, she was asked to rake a sandpit and her love for officiating has grown from there.

“The whole sport doesn't run without volunteers, so for me it made complete sense to get involved because my daughter and many other athletes wouldn’t be able to compete without volunteers and officials. So, I got into my journey when she was quite a young athlete and have gradually worked through my qualifications.”

Getting involved in officiating through her club and then completing these qualifications have not only allowed Amy to get more involved in the sport she loves but also boosted her confidence.

“When I started officiating, it was as a volunteer and then I took my level 1, which is a really straightforward step. I was a little bit nervous about moving on to level 2, but actually the support you get from other officials is great. I've been really grateful for the encouragement that I've been given and it's really helped with my confidence as well.

“Completing your level 2 means you get more enjoyment out of it because you can do a little bit more, you can get a bit more involved. You can learn more as well, which is always great.”

Currently working towards her Level 3 qualification, Amy has big ambitions for the future. Becoming an official has opened up a whole world of new opportunities in athletics.

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How can your club help to build a sustainable team of volunteers?

Having started her officiating journey through her daughter’s club, Yeovil Olympiads AC, Amy understands the role clubs can play in encouraging parents and others to get involved.

“There’s a really important role for clubs in promoting the role of officiating or volunteering in any capacity for that matter. Raising awareness is a really key part, putting things out to make sure the community is aware of the fact that volunteers are needed to run events. Then incentivizing in some way.”

Hear more from Amy on the ways that clubs can encourage people to give officiating a go.

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This kind of proactive support from clubs is essential to sustaining the volunteer workforce in athletics across the country. If each club can put simple strategies in place to support the officials in their local area, then collectively this will have a big impact.

If you want to find out more about creating a positive environment for officials and other volunteers to thrive, then explore the resources available on Club Hub.

Have you been inspired to give officiating a go?

Here is Amy’s advice to anyone looking to get involved in officiating for the first time,

“It's really simple to get involved and just speak to your club. You don't even necessarily need to be involved in athletics, you don't need to have any particular knowledge, which is great. If you want to learn, you can and you can progress. But at the same time, just having people who are willing to come out and help on events and support the team is brilliant.”

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