Officiating Journey

Officials truly are the beating heart of athletics and running and at the heart of all the action. England Athletics wants to inspire Officials by providing direct support through our track & field journey and our endurance journey.

Both journeys benefit from structured qualifications, practical competition experiences and ongoing development opportunities throughout. Its never been simpler to get into Officiating with our four easy steps. Make a start by booking on to your course online today.

Video — Meet the Officials

Kenny Ebanks describes his own officiating journey — from school meetings to national competitions.

YouTube: Meet the Officials – Kenny Ebanks #EAJourneyto22

The Journey

The below steps outline the process to becoming a licensed Official, with links for further information available for each step.

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Step 1

To start your Officiating journey, you must complete an Assistant Official course or a Level 1 qualification, in one discipline of your choice (Field Judge, Track Judge, Timekeeper, Starter and Photofinish), plus the online Health & Safety course which you should book onto first (before your discipline module) and the online Safeguarding in Athletics course.*

Find out more about Step 1 and available courses

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Step 2

Before becoming a licensed Official, you must complete 4 practical competition experiences, where you will be able to meet and learn from qualified and knowledgeable Officials.

Find out more about Step 2

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Step 3

To have a valid Officials’ licence, you need to have a current DBS check, which should be renewed every three years.

Find out more about Step 3

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Step 4

The final stage to complete your qualification and become a licensed Official, you will need to complete and submit your application for accreditation. This includes details of your qualification, plus a record of each of your 4 practical competition experiences.

Find out more about Step 4

*Safeguarding course must be completed from 1 April 2022 if not yet licensed. From 1 July licensed officials will be required to complete the safeguarding course at the point of re-licencing. Find out more on the UK Athletics website.