The level 1 Starter/Starter’s Assistant course is an entry level qualification on the UK Athletics Track & Field Officials’ pathway.
This 3 hour, practical course will introduce candidates to the key roles and responsibilities of race starters/assistants, including how to implement relevant rules of a race start, correct positioning and clarity of starters instructions/signals.
Who should go on this course?
Anyone aged 16+ who is interested in ensuring athletes are ‘ready’ for the start and ensuring all athletes have a fair and even start to a race.
Under 16? Click here to find out more about the Assistant Track and Field Officials’ course
What will I learn?
- Understand and implement the appropriate rules for the start procedure of all races
- Know the correct positions for Starters and Starter’s Assistants for all races
- Describe/Understand the Voice and clarity of instructions/signals
- Describe/Understand Health and Safety issues associated with a Starter/Starter’s Assistant
Is there an assessment?
There isn’t an assessment but after the course candidates need to complete at least 4 competition experiences. If you only want to be a starters assistant then only 4 experiences in this area are required. If you wish to be a starter then you need to complete 4 experiences as a starter’s assistant and 4 experiences as a starter. Candidates must have completed the Health & Safety course for Officials as well.
What do I do after the course?
- It is essential you complete a DBS. For guidance on this please click here.
- Ensure there is a passport quality photograph added to your myAthletics profile (head shot on a white background).
- Complete a minimum of 4 experiences for Level 1.
- Complete the Level 1 Application for Accreditation.
- Send your completed Level 1 Application for Accreditation to officialsaccreditation@englandathletics.org
- For more information on progressing through the Officials Pathway please click here.
Health & Safety Online
This FREE online course should be completed for anyone training to become a Track and Field Athletics Official. The course will need to be completed before a licence can be issued at Level 1. The course will need to be undertaken by officials every three years.
Duration: The course will typically take around 90 minutes to complete with a multi choice assessment exercise upon competition. Note: To complete the course candidates will need to achieve a pass mark of 75% or above.
For more details on the Health & Safety module please click here