YPF Lead Mentor Chloe praises Official Jan as key role model

Friday 17th April 2026

Jan Gammage (second from right) and fellow Officials enjoy a break in action at the Emirates Arena (photo by Bobby Gavin)

Officials section

By Eilidh Miller

Officiating is at the heart of athletics in Scotland, and the dedication of volunteers across the country helps ensure that competitions can take place week in, week out.

Their knowledge, passion, and support for athletics is vital to the sport, and the impact they have is often felt most strongly by those just starting their own Officiating journey.

For Young People’s Forum Lead Mentor Chloe Emordy, one Official in particular stands out as an inspiration: experienced scottishathletics qualified field Official, Jan Gammage.

Chloe first discovered officiating while looking for ways to develop her knowledge of the sport. She explained that she initially became involved to learn more about the rules of competition so that she could better support the athletes she works with and give something back to the sport.

As she continued officiating, however, she quickly developed a real passion for it. Her early experiences were shaped by the welcoming environment created by fellow Officials—especially Jan, who quickly became a mentor and role model.

Photo by Bobby Gavin

‘I met Jan when I had just completed my field Official training and she was really supportive at my first event,’ said Chloe.

‘She helped me with what I was meant to do and where I was meant to be. She was kind and made me feel welcome.”

‘I have continued to work with Jan, and she has continued to always be kind and supportive.

‘I have watched her help new Officials to feel welcomed into the sport, and I always feel as though I can go to her for anything.

‘She is a role model demonstrating who officials should be.’

Jan’s own journey shows how volunteering can open up new opportunities. Jan began volunteering with scottishathletics at the European Indoor Championships in 2019.

With no previous athletics background, she had to learn the terminology and rules from scratch.

Over time, and with the support of a mentor and fellow Officials, Jan progressed to become a Level 3 field Official. She particularly enjoys working with athletes and now takes pride in mentoring newer Officials entering the sport. Her experiences have taken her to major events, including the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Jan believes that the involvement of young people, including through the Young People’s Forum (YPF), is essential for athletics in Scotland to thrive.

‘It’s fantastic to hear of the work being done by the YPF,’ said Jan.

‘These young people are our future in the sport, and it is vital that we as Officials support them to discover their potential. To have recognition of this support highlights that we as Officials must be doing something right. Thank you, Chloe.’

scottishathletics continues to focus on recruitment, retention, and reward for Officials, recognising the key role they play across the competition pathway. As Jan highlighted:

‘Within this, it is so important to value our newer and younger Officials to ensure the ongoing numbers of Officials required for events. Events can only take place when we have enough Officials.’

Stories like Chloe and Jan’s highlight how Officiating is not only about delivering competitions, but also about building connections, sharing knowledge, and inspiring the next generation within the sport . . .