Assistant Officials Award

2.5-hour course

This award offers an introduction to officiating at a Track & Field, Endurance or Sportshall competition and covers the basics in all disciplines. You will learn the specific judging principles of throws, jumps, track judging, timekeeping, starting and endurance judging. The course is designed to enable you to work within a team to develop key skills and a basic understanding of the fundamental rules of officiating.

This course is delivered in both theoretical and practical elements covering:

• The responsibilities and role of an assistant official
• How to measure and record times and distances
• Communicating with athletes and other officials
• Ensuring safety and reporting concerns
• Following procedures and applying basic rules

Who should go on this course?

Anyone over the age of 14 who is interested in assisting and would like a better understanding of the key areas of officiating at Endurance Events and Track & Field Competitions.

How do I book on this course?

• Check the Courses for Officials page for dates or contact your Club Together Officer or National Club Manager.
• Complete the online booking form through “Athletics Hub” on the course page.

What happens after the course?

After completing the course, you will need to gain experience by assisting at Endurance, Track & Field or Sportshall Competitions under the supervision of a qualified technical official. You will need to keep a record of each competition you help out at and fill in a Record of Experience (Link) and type in the name of the qualified official, an appropriate teacher if at a schools event or event organiser.

In addition, if you are over 16 years of age you will need to complete a PVG form (Protecting Vulnerable Groups). This online form can be requested from shonamalcolm@scottishathletics.org.uk or pvg@scottishathletics.org.uk

Once you have received your PVG certificate and completed a minimum of two experiences, email your completed Record of Experience to – shonamalcolm@scottishathletics.org.uk  and an assistant official’s licence can then be requested.