Technical officials play an important role in the development of athletes, coaches and the sport itself. A friendly meet and greet between officials, coaches and athletes at an event can be the catalyst for inspiring the next generation of individuals to progress the sport in all its forms.
Every part of the athletics experience directly links to each other and officials can bring about positive change and experiences that can result in athletes achieving personal bests, medals or just enjoying their events and recommend friends and family to join the athletics community.
If you’re interested in starting your officiating journey then a great place to start is this page on the England Athletics website – https://www.englandathletics.org/coaches-and-officials/officiating-journey/
For any members looking to start a officials qualification then please do get in contact with our acting Officials Coordinator Edson Wilkinson on officials@newmarketjoggers.co.uk
The club would be willing to help fund officials courses for members – you can see what types of course are available on the relevant England Athletics webpage – https://www.englandathletics.org/coaches-and-officials/officials-qualifications/
Officiating athletics is fun, great for your mental and physical health and the chance to make lots of great memories and friendships along the way. Being at the heart of the sport officials can be the friendly smile someone meets, the encouraging voice and the supporting influence, to inspire and encourage the next generation of people to progress within the sport across all the roles.
Whether you volunteer one or two events per year, help out once a month or once a week, there is an opportunity for everyone to be a part of the officiating community! From registering athletes for their events, to using technology like photofinish, measuring a throw or directing the athletes during a cross country event – you can enjoy and learn officiating at your own pace in a supportive and relaxed environment.
Officials Roles within Athletics
Track Official
Track Officials are responsible for a multitude of duties such as taking the finish positions, operating the lap board and bell and also adjudicating over Lane infringements, relay change overs and race incidents.
Field Official
Field officials are responsible for adjudicating over jumping events such as; Long Jump, High Jump and Triple jump and throwing events such as; Shot put, Javelin, Discuss and Hammer throw.
Timekeeper
Timekeepers are responsible for timing athletes in all track events ranging from 100m sprints to 3000m Steeplechase and also sometimes calling lap times.
Starter
Starters are responsible for starting track events and making sure all starts are fair and safe.
Photo Finish Official
Photo Finish Officials operate the photo finish technology to give accurate finish times and to establish the finishing order in tightly contested races.
Race Walking Official
Race Walking officials adjudicate over Race Walking events making sure competition is fair and athletes don’t break the rules.
Endurance
Endurance Officials are a key part of the organisation road and cross country events. Ensuring a fair start, making sure the course is followed and accurate recording of the finish. Covering a wide variety of roles such as: Race Referee, Course Director, Start director, Finish Director, Sector Marshall and Recorder.
How to Become an Official
1. Attend an Online Course.
2. Apply For UKA DBS Check
3. Upload Photo For Officials Licence
4. Complete Health & Safety and Safeguarding Online Modules
5. After Completing all these points you will become a Level 1 Official and Your Officials licence will arrive by post in 6-8 weeks.
To book an Online Course go to: https://www.athleticshub.co.uk/events-coach-list
If you would like any assistance in becoming an official or would like to know more about the officials development pathway contact your county officials secretary;
Suffolk: Track & Field – Edson Wilkinson suffolkracewalkingsec@gmail.com Endurance – Joe Mower josephgmower@hotmail.com
Cambridgeshire: Carol Wright cambsofficials@gmail.com
In 2025 we started the ‘Newmarket Joggers Volunteer Pledge‘. Using the form accessed via the link below, you can register your support as a volunteer for any of the 3 races for 2026.
All volunteers are welcome whether they are club members, family, friends (register each person separately) or anybody from the local community. Even if you plan to compete in one of these races you can still help out on the day. At The Newmarket 10k we plan to hold a BBQ principally as a thank you to those who have volunteered for any of the 3 races. Don’t delay, put your name down today!
https://forms.gle/3p7bgY1FVwQauzSd8
It would be fantastic if every member can volunteer at least at one of these events – it does make a huge difference.
