British Athletics

Assistant Official Qualification

Who should go on this course?

Anyone aged 14 or over interested in gaining an insight and introduction to the key areas of officiating that will enable them to assist at track and field meetings under the supervision of a qualified UKA Technical Official.

What will I learn?

Delivered as a single workshop of four hours in six sections with both theoretical and practical elements covering:

• The responsibilities and role of an Assistant Official
• Measuring and recording times and distance
• Making, sharing and recording judgements
• Ensuring safety and reporting concerns
• Communicating with athletes and other officials
• Following procedures and applying basic rules

Next steps

After completing the course candidates will need to:

• Gain experience by attending a minimum of two athletics meetings assisting a qualified Official.
• Complete a Recorded Evidence Form detailing each meeting and have this signed by a qualified UKA Technical Official. (These experiences can also be gained at schools’ athletics meetings, signed off by the appropriate teacher.)
• Undertake a DBS check, if aged 16 or over, or if under 16 make a Self Declaration.

Level 1 Track and Field Qualification

Who should go on this course?

Anyone aged 14 or over who wishes to work under the supervision of a qualified UKA Technical Official in a specific discipline (choice of Track, Field, Timekeeping, Photofinish and Starter/ Starter’s Assistant) with a view to becoming a qualified official (when aged 16 or over).

How many days will it take?

One day, with no assessment.

What will I learn?

After completing the course candidates will have a knowledge and understanding in the following areas:

• Appropriate attire/ equipment
• Ability to follow duty sheet
• Knowledge and application of rules relevant to the role (specific to Track Judge, Field, Starter’s Assistant, Timekeeper, Race Walking or Photofinish)
• Relationship with other officials
• Relationship with athletes
• Health and Safety

Next steps

You will be able to work under the supervision of a qualified UKA Technical Official in a specific discipline (Track, Field, Timekeeping, Photofinish, Race Walk and Starter / Starter’s Assistant) with a view to becoming a qualified official. You can become a Licensed Level 1 Official by:

• Being aged 16 or over attending a minimum of four athletics meetings
• Operating under the supervision of a qualified UKA Technical Official
• Recording and submitting to England Athletics evidence of undertaking a variety of roles
• Undertaking an enhanced DBS check

Level 2 Qualification

To qualify as a Level 2 Official you need to:-

a) Have obtained an officials’ licence (which requires an enhanced Police Records Disclosure check)

b) Complete the Record of Experience form in detail for at least 10 meetings in your chosen discipline (of which 4 may have already of been submitted for level 1).

c) Complete the questions on your discipline which you will find on the UKA website. There is no reason why you should not discuss your answers with other officials, including your mentor. These questions are here to help you to develop as an official and you will need to use your rule book when answering them. They will need to be assessed by an appointed assessor who will also assess the Record of Experience.

d) Have one positive report completed by an official in the same discipline who has been Level 3 or above for at least 2 years. For field judges this must include working on a long throw and showing understanding of the long throws protocol. Discipline specific report forms can be found on the UKA website or from just below.

Level 3 Qualification

To qualify as a Level 3 Official you need to:-

a) Hold an officials’ licence (which requires an enhanced DBS check) at level 2 in your chosen discipline

c) Complete the Record of Experience form for at least a further 10 meetings in your chosen discipline after achieving Level 2. This will need to include meetings at a higher level. You will have completed the Record of Experience forms for Level 2 and you should always keep a copy of all documentation for reference.

d) Obtain at least one positive report from a higher graded (Preferably Level 4 National) official when officiating at Regional level or above. There is a discipline specific Level 3 report form which can be found on the UKA website. From April 1^st 2019 for field judges this report must show that the candidate has a clear understanding of the long throws protocol. This is to be sent to the Tri Regional or National Officials Secretary (TRNG). The candidate should also keep a copy of all reports.

e) Submit your documents to the TRNG for assessment by an assessor appointed by them who will then endorse this form prior to it being sent to your Home Country for your new licence to be issued.

Level 4 Qualification

Read document below re Guidelines for requirements from 2019 onwards