Officially brilliant! Watch our new film about volunteer stars of athletics

Wednesday 15th October 2025

Officials asked to register for Conference in Dunfermline

Our dedicated team of qualified scottishathletics Officials make events happen week in, week out across the sport in Scotland.

Now we are delighted to showcase that combination of skills and experience via a brilliant and instructive new video.

Trainee Field Official, Connie Chen, who is studying Sociology and Psychology at university with a passion for sport and the media, worked at our 4J Age Group Champs in Aberdeen in August.

That led Connie to ask for our support to create a video about Officials at the 4J Senior and U17 Champs at Grangemouth the following weekend.

Now we are delighted to share the video with contributions from three Officials – Moira Maguire, Susan Miller and Moira Nisbet – and athlete, Euan Urquhart (Susan’s son)

Connie Chen is working towards qualifications as an Official and helped out at Aberdeen (photo by Bobby Gavin)

Here’s what they say in the video . . .

‘I guess my mum felt she should give something back to the sport which had given so much to me – which is very kind of her.

‘Without the Officials, the athletics wouldn’t happen let’s be blunt about that. So here’s to them and thank you.

Euan Urquhart, Athlete

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‘I’ve been officiating now for about 25 years plus.

‘When my daughters were competing, I actually became too nervous and I thought ‘I have to get out of here’. So I started officiating. So I was around, but not being a pushy mother. My mum was also a time-keeper.

‘I think parents would find it enjoyable if their kids are there anyway to compete. Clubs can work things now so you maybe do two or three hours at a time.’

Moira Maguire, Official

Photo by Bobby Gavin

‘I think it is important to give it a go. It is a lot of fun and there’s plenty of support – but it is not easy. There is lots to learn and you would be surprised where you end up.

‘You work in the background to make the event go well. It is voluntary but we try to reach a good professional standard.’

Susan Miller, Official

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‘We are still drawn to it because you are with a family of Scottish Athletics Officials. It is a community of friends and colleagues that we really respect.’

Moira Nisbet, Official