VOLUNTEERS ARE THE HEART OF OUR SPORT!
You don't have to be an athlete to make it on the world stage! Athletics West welcome anyone with an interest in athletics officiating to become involved in our programs and events through volunteering. Whether you aspire to officiate at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, or would just like to contribute at your local club or centre, officiating provides a role for all abilities and aspirations.
Athletics West will be in touch to help you achieve your officiating goals, be it through education and accreditation, mentoring or event day experience Education and accredited courses are provided free of charge to our officials
Did you know?! Eleven Western Australian Officials were selected to assist with the delivery of the athletics program at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, with an additional three selected as athletics volunteers, contributing to the biggest representation of WA Officials at the Commonwealth Games!
What is an Official?
Officials are responsible for judging the various events within track and field. They are a valuable and essential part of track and field and in most cases, volunteer their time for the benefit of athletes.
Volunteer helpers are responsible for assisting officials in conducting event sites during competition. Volunteers are essential for ensuring the safe and efficient conduction of an event site, through providing additional sets of hands under the supervision of more experienced officials.
Pathway for Club, Centre, & School Level Officiating
Essential
- Current Working With Children Check unless exception applies.
Recommended
- Complete the World Athletics Technical Officials – Apprentice Level modules relevant to the areas you wish to officiate in.
- The Apprentice Level modules introduce officials to the basic competition set-up & conduction of a site, rules, roles & duties.
- Attend Officiating Workshops provided by Athletics West & the WA Athletics Officials Club.
- Complete the Community Officiating General Principles E-Learning Course
Optional
- Shadow an Athletics West official at Strive Competition. Express you interest through emailing opal@athleticswest.com.au
Pathway for Officiating at Junior & Senior Events, & Strive Competitions
Essential
- Register as an Athletics West Official: Officials Registration Portal
- Once this step is complete, there is a secondary portal for registered officials to nominate for appointment to State or Strive events throughout the season.
- Current Working With Children Check
- Prior experience officiating at Club/Centre level.
Recommended
- Athletics West State Level accreditation:
- Complete individual World Athletics Technical Officials Level 1 modules relevant to the event/s you wish to officiate in.
- Complete two (2) practical placements in the event/s at Strive, Zones or State events.
- Submit application (including module certificates of completion) via the online State Level accreditation portal to receive your certificate: Submit Application
- Attend Officiating Workshops provided by Athletics West & the WA Athletics Officials Club.
- Complete the Community Officiating General Principles E-Learning Course
Optional
- World Athletics Technical Officials Level 1
- Complete all 13 modules of the World Athletics Technical Officials course to gain your Level 1 Accreditation.
- The Level 1 Course introduces officials to the next level of the Technical Officials training program. This level of theoretical and practical knowledge is a requirement of officials wishing to officiate at national level competitions.
Benefits of Officiating:
- Meet new people
- Join our community of passionate individuals
- Be part of the action! Officials often have the best seat in the house to witness incredible athlete performances!
- Access to upskilling, education courses and mentoring
- Travel opportunities for intra-state, inter-state and international events
- Free meals for officials at Strive and State events
- Provided with a PUMA Officials Long Sleeve Polo Shirt and a Go for 2 & 5 Hat
- Paid opportunities during School Carnival Season (June - October)
For more information on officiating with Athletics West, contact us at opal@athleticswest.com.au or 08 6272 0480.