Does It Really Matter

Does it matter if you run a 100m and the result is 0.1s out or if you throw a discus and the measurement isn’t quite right. Have you ever felt that the results were wrong, have you taken your own timings or argued against a field decision.

An email has recently been sent to all the parents of athletes in the Wessex league to say that we, as a club, have been ‘told off’ for the lack of officials that we send to away fixtures. This telling off could have come from any of the leagues as we have rarely been able to fill our requirement to send officials. I heard that a recent fixture only had 3 timekeepers, I know timekeeping is a skilled job and I’m sure they coped but I’m not sure 3 officials for races of up to 8 young athletes is to be advised and there would be no opportunity for a break, those officials deserve a medal.

While you are watching you children or team mates you can do more to support them by joining the team of officials. If that league meeting with 3 timekeeper had 8, I’m pretty sure the results would be more reliable and I’m also sure that the officials there would have a more enjoyable experience. If timekeeping isn’t for you, have you thought about being a track official or a field official. If none of those take your fancy we can also offer starters assistant or starter, there roles are both vital in starting the races but also these will be the last to talk to the athlete before they race. Field officials are always much needed and we do manage with an army of helpers BUT it’s also important that those running the events know how to lead, know the difference between a valid throw, jump, vault or putt, there is a rule book but nothing beats experience and working with experienced officials to pick up tips.

I am happy to send more information about the different official roles and how to train and if you would like to come and have a go or shadow an official for the day our last home fixture is Saturday 19th August a Southern League (SAL) which is for ages U17 and above.

Please come down and do more than support your team
Tracey Jones