Local heroes: Officials deliver Glasgow 2026 . . . and events every week

Friday 14th August 2026

By Eilidh Miller

When the Commonwealth Games came to Scotstoun Stadium, the attention of the sporting world was firmly focused on the track and field action in Glasgow.

Behind the performances, however, was a team playing a vital role in ensuring the Glasgow 2026 competition ran smoothly: more than 80 Scottish Officials were working across the venue throughout the week.

From the start line to the field events, Officials were responsible for measuring, judging, timing, and overseeing competition, ensuring every athlete was given the opportunity to perform in a fair environment.

Alongside experienced Officials, volunteers from across the Officiating community in Scotland also played their part. Among them were scottishathletics Young People’s Forum members Chloe Emordy and Callum Ballantyne, who gained valuable experience on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

For Lorna Rogers, a scottishathletics Official who was part of the Scotstoun team, the experience highlighted the strength of the Officiating community.

‘It was more than 80 Officials, in fact, because everywhere you turned there were Officials and friendly faces that you knew, good camaraderie, all doing their best for the athletes competing,’ said Lorna.

That sense of camaraderie is not something reserved for major championships.

It is built throughout the year at club competitions, road races, cross country events, and championships across Scotland. Our dedicated Officials choose to give their time to the sport, week after week, because they want to contribute to its development and help athletes achieve their potential.

Major events such as the Commonwealth Games provide an opportunity to see that commitment on an international stage.

However, the contribution of Officials is just as important at a local club competition on a wet Tuesday evening as it is under the lights at Scotstoun.

For those considering getting involved, Lorna believes the welcoming nature of the Officiating community is one of its greatest strengths:

‘Don’t worry if you don’t have the experience. It’s a great team, we’re a friendly bunch and we’ll nurture you along.’

That spirit is at the heart of Officiating in Scotland: a community that shares its knowledge, supports its volunteers, and works collectively to provide the best possible competition environment for all athletes.

At Scotstoun, that community came together on a major international stage. For many of the Officials involved, it was a memorable opportunity to contribute to a home Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. However, their importance extends far beyond one competition.

They are there throughout the athletics calendar, often away from the spotlight, ensuring that competition can take place and athletes can continue to do what they do best.

We quite simply couldn’t do it without them.