Grassroots Athletics: Offi cials

#PeopleMakeAthletics We couldn’t do it without our Offi cials

Ann Carter receives the Raymond Hutcheson Trophy for Services to Offi ciating from Margaret Brown at our 2016 awards (photo by Bobby Gavin)

Athletics in Scotland is built upon the dedicated contribution of so many individuals working together. To put it another way: it is the volunteers who make the sport happen.

We’ve seen that recognised in recent years via our own governing body annual awards; the Honours List and other awards; and indeed via our communication channels with a series of #PeopleMakeAthletics articles. 10 years, we moved back to the Glasgow area and once again were involved in the setting up of Cumbernauld Amateur Athletic Club from the aspect of a parent.

by the late Eddie Taylor.

‘After a period of time we joined Shettleston Ladies, where our daughter was coached in the Javelin

‘We duly became involved in coaching - Bob in the shot and discus and Ann with the javelin. At this point, we travelled with the Club and got involved in offi ciating.

‘Over time it became inevitable that we had to choose whether to coach or offi ciate and we chose the latter. This was in the early 1980s.

Our qualifi ed scottishathletics Offi cials sit at the very heart of that and we are always pleased to acknowledge and celebrate those in purple and red who give so much time and effort to our sport.

Bob and Ann Carter fi t that category very well and have been real stalwarts over the past 40 years or so.

Here’s a bit more of their story . . .

‘In 1968 we moved to Annan and, after a period of time, we got involved at the birth of Annan & District Athletics Club,’ Bob and Ann told PB magazine.

‘Bob sat on the initial club committee and our son and daughter competed. After ‘We progressed through the grades and by 1986 we were Level 4 (old Grade 1) and were chosen for the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh.

‘We have judged at many major Championships – Scottish and UK Internationals – both indoor and outdoor – as offi cials and referees including the British Masters in Lee Valley Birmingham. We also offi ciated at the World Masters in Gateshead, Puerto Rico in the Cariibbean, Lahti in Finland and Riccioni in Italy.

‘For many years we sat on the Offi cials’ Commission – Bob as Field Rep. and Ann as Services to Members . We also were involved in the Facilities side of the Commission, visiting Stadia to deem them fi t for purpose. Ann also organised many a good curry night for Offi cials after an event ! ‘Uniforms have changed over the years – for the better. At one particular International Event in the Kelvin Hall the male offi cials had to hire Evening Suits and Bow ties. The ladies were supplied with long skirts that were so awful they went into the rag bag after the event. Try raking the pit in a suit and bow tie and spiking in that long skirt in the sand.

‘We have met many people of different nationalities over the years – it has been a marvellous and enjoyable experience.

‘But the time has come for us to hang up the clipboard – and wet suit – and we would not have changed a thing. What we will miss is the camaraderie of our fellow scottishathletics Offi cials.

‘We wish all our colleagues All The Very Best for the future.’

Good Luck to Ann and Bob from all within the sport in Scotland.

ASK SHONA

Shona Malcolm OBE is our Offi cials Development Offi cer.

Shona is the point of contact for all Offi cials issues and there is also a section on our website – see Offi cials tab on

www.scottishathletics.org.uk

Anyone interested in fi nding out more about becoming an Offi cial, or wanting details on up-coming courses, should ask Shona.

Email: shonamalcolm@scottishathletics.org.uk