Click here for current officials signed up for the junior and senior Track and Field Spring /Summer Fixture List.

Officials for Matches

If you are a parent or athlete looking to give something back to club or you are just interested becoming involved in the club, one rewarding option would be to become a track or field official (see some of our officials comments below). Full training is given and details of the qualifications and courses are here on the England Athletics web site. Nick Fleeman recently qualified as a track official and recorded his experience here.

The club always has a shortage of officials and needs to provide them as part of the various league matches both at Winchester and other locations. They also score points for the WADAC teams in the competitions.

Officials are also able to claim back travel expenses pursuant to the club policy and are often provided with a free lunch! The following awards are also made as you progress through the qualification levels:

• Level 1 (4 matches); Rule book and all weather pen

• Level 2 (10 matches): Alexandra Sports voucher for £25

• Level 3 (20 matches): Alexandra Sports voucher for £35

• Level 4 (30 matches): Voucher of £50 towards sports equipment or footwear.

• Level 5 (international): Voucher of £75 towards sports equipment or footwear.

Please contact the Chair on chair@wadac.org.uk for further information.

Here is what others have said about the experience:

Mike Billington, Timekeeper Level 1

"When I gave up running after over 50 years, I decided I wanted to give something back to the sport which had given me so much and so I became a timekeeper. If you have enjoyed the sport, why not become an official yourself.”

Karin Gray, Level 2 Official

“A shortage of field officials resulted in me helping out at my daughter’s first Quadkids/Wessex competition, as having competed in Multievents in the past I could recall the Jumps and Shot rules quite well. Since then have gained experience in such diverse events as Pole Vault, Javelin and Hammer, with more experienced officials always happy to answer my questions, and helping me learn to keep both competitors and myself safe (quite important when people, or Javelins are flying over your head at break neck speed). I try to organise my time in between events on competition days to still watch my daughter compete at her main events.”

Sarah Jones, Track Judge level 1

“My daughter loves running and has had four fantastic years of coaching. I really appreciate the dedication of all our voluntary coaches and now my daughter is older and wants to be with her friends I decided to train as a track official. It’s great because I’m around for my daughter, I’m giving something back but I’m also part of the action on the track. Everyone is really friendly and it’s fun! I’m able to stop to watch my daughters races and I get prime viewing position to watch all the other children. I’d really recommend giving it a go.”

Simon Stevens, Timekeeper Level 2

“Having had a year as Officials Coordinator for the junior events, I was amazed at the commitment of some officials to turning out for so many matches. I also saw how few officials we have for the number of matches and especially in areas like timekeeping, I had some training previously but did not follow it up. So when WADAC offered a course I signed up and put in my diary 4 events that would allow me to qualify at Level 1. I found great camaraderie at the events as we all try to be as accurate as possible while also enjoying the races - trying not to enjoy them so much that we forget to stop the watch! I had an experienced mentor for each event and they couldn’t have been more supportive and encouraging. Now I feel part of a new group while giving back to the club.”