Twenty-one girls from Glenlola Collegiate School recently became the first school group in Northern Ireland to complete their UKA Level 1 Young Officials Course in Athletics.
The girls involved are all either GCSE or AS Physical Education students.
As part of their practical course requirements it is necessary for them to officiate at an official athletics event. Glenlola teachers Erika Henry, Sophie Chambers and Janice Vaughan contacted Athletics Northern Ireland and the girls attended the new one day introductory course to athletics officiating at the Mary Peters Track, mentored by Joy Alexander, a UKA level 3 technical official.
The girls gained practical experience of officiating at the NI & Ulster Age Groups Championships held at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast and Meadowbank Indoor Arena in Magherafelt.
One of the girls commented,
“I’ve really enjoyed the experience and never knew there was so much to officiating in Athletics. It was great fun and we got to have a go at all the disciplines of track, field, timekeeping and result”
Course tutor Joy Alexander, commented “The girls were fantastic, really quick to pick up things and was a real win-win for everyone involved, the girls got their course requirements completed and Athletics Northern Ireland hope that some will continue in the sport and join the ranks of our officials”
Further details on the course or other courses on athletics officiating can be obtained from Athletics Northern Ireland, telephone 028 90602707 or visit the Education section of www.niathletics.org