Officiating: Easier Than You Think!
It’s fun, it’s friendly and its rewarding – Carolyn Devereux on the joy of becoming an athletics official.
As an North Somerset Athletic Club (NSAC) parent, you will have probably spent many an hour at various events across the UK watching your child compete.
You’ll know that these events cannot take place without volunteers, and during the many hours and minutes spent waiting for your child’s event, you, have probably often thought… ‘I’m here, I’m not doing anything, maybe I should become an official’ but have perhaps felt a bit unsure about taking the plunge?
Gymnastics coach Carolyn Devereux – whose daughter Keira competes for NSAC – has been a track judge for five years. She had initial reservations about volunteering, but soon discovered that being an athletics official is one of the most fun and rewarding roles she’s ever had.
“I started my officiating journey back in 2019. I wasn’t particularly keen to become an athletics official, but more volunteers are always needed, so I decided to sign up for my Level 1 Track Judge course to support my daughter, Keira, who had started competing in track for NSAC,” explains Carolyn, “However, before I managed to complete my training, Covid hit, and everything stopped.”
Indoor sports remained in lockdown long after athletics tracks had reopened, so, with a forced ‘pause’ on her career as a gymnastics coach, Carolyn devoted her weekends to completing her Level 1 Track Judge qualifications. This dedication paid off as she swiftly progressed through Level 2 and 3.
“I used to find officials scary,” admits Carolyn, “But the more time I spent with the officials’ teams, the more I became part of the officials’ community which is such a welcoming and supportive one. I gained as much experience as I could and moved up to Level 3 within two years.”
Reap the rewards
Over the years, Carolyn has officiated at a wide range of different competitions. “I’ve done various events – mostly local county competitions where you meet the same people and get to know them really well and form good relationships,” she explains. “Being an official is about more than just the events; it’s about the community and friendships that develop over time.”
One of Carolyn’s most thrilling experiences as an official was a last-minute call-up for the World Indoors as a call room steward. “My first athlete to sit down by me was Mondo Duplantis – my day couldn’t get any better!” Carolyn recalls.
And earlier this year, she was a timekeeper at the Bristol Great Run. “It was nerve racking being on the start and finish lines of the 10K and Half Marathon but was a really fabulous experience to be involved in such a great community event.”
Later this year, Carolyn will be taking part in her biggest event yet. “I will be spending three days at the England U20s track championships in Birmingham, which I am really looking forward to – it will be the biggest competition for me as Athlete Steward.”
It’s easier than you think!
Come and join the club as either an athlete, coach or volunteer by dropping us a line at our online contact form.
Carolyn’s story has also been featured on the England Athletics webiste. Read the full story here