Volunteers Needed For Local Athletics Clubs

Shortage of officials causing problems

Local athletics clubs are in urgent need of volunteers to help develop the next generation of Olympic athletes.

A shortage of people to act as timekeepers, race starters and field judges is making it difficult for clubs to put on local and regional track & field meetings. These events are vital for the development of athletes of all ages.

Paul Cuddihy, who chairs the West London Athletics Network, says clubs across the area are keen to hear from volunteers.

“People don’t need any previous experience of judging – or even athletics - just commitment and enthusiasm for the sport,” he said.

“Training will be provided and beginners will act as assistants to more experienced officials, before they progress to higher levels of officiating.”

The first step in training is a hands-on course organised by the sport’s governing body England Athletics. The multi-disciplinary course takes in timekeeping, measuring, judging, and starting, which will qualify participants to assist at events.

After gaining experience at meetings, officials can go on to a further course to take a Level 2 qualification in a specific discipline and work towards becoming a senior official.

West London Athletics Network includes both track & field and road running clubs from across the area including Ealing, Southall and Middlesex AC, and Hillingdon AC.

Volunteers must be aged 14 or over.

For more details, or to apply to become an official, contact Paul at paulcuddihy@hotmail.com. To volunteer at Ealing, Southall and Middlesex AC, contact Bob Densley at bob@esm.org.uk or by calling 01895 675522.

For more details about officials courses, see: http://www.englandathletics.org/officials

26th October 2015