Officiating Community at Athletics Auckland
“Officiating is the best seat in the stadium, and I get to do it with a group of enthusiastic friendly people. There is nothing better!” – Ray Morgan (Official)
Our group of officials include people of all ages from secondary school students to people in their 80s and all walks of life. They are all friendly, welcoming and enjoy what they do.
Some have had children in athletics and have kept involved officiating because of the enjoyment they get and the people they get to do it with. Others have had no children involved but have started helping out at different events and found they really enjoyed the experience of being close to the action surrounded by positive encouraging people and have taken the next steps to being an official.
Whatever your experience may be, whatever age or stage of life you may be at, the journey to becoming involved in officiating is an easy, low-stress one.
All new officials do a Level 1 officiating course. In the course, you will be introduced to the athletics rules as part of a group working together in the course. There is an open book assessment at the end of the course, and you can discuss the answers with the others on the course so no stress and everyone learns together.
Once you have done the course, you are on your way and able to work as part of an officiating team at athletics events. As a new official, you will always be working with more experienced officials who are always happy to pass on their knowledge and welcome you to the officiating world.
At the end of the particular event, there is always time for socialising with a cup of tea (or beverage of your choice), food and great company discussing the activities of the day from how fast Zoe ran, how far Jacko threw or how high Eliza jumped.
If this sounds like something you might enjoy, or want to find out more information, contact our friendly Regional Officials Educator- Paul Craddock dipa@craddock.co . He will let you know how to take the next steps on your journey into the wonderful world of officiating.
Upcoming Officials’ Courses
For upcoming officials courses please click on this link
Athletics New Zealand Officials’ Education Scheme (ANZOES)
Athletics New Zealand’s Officials Education Scheme (ANZOES) is administered by the
National Officials’ Advisory Group (NOAG).
ANZOES is divided up into:
- Three Levels – Level 1 (an introduction to Athletics Rules), level 2 and level 3.
- Specific areas – Jumps, Throws, Track, Walks, Para, Course Measurement and Non-Stadia (Cross Country/ Road Races).
ANZOES has been updated with major changes to Level 2:( Click to Link to ANZOES ) to align better with the World Athletics education scheme.
Commencing September 1, Level 2 will now be the World Athletic online National Athletic Referee (NAR). This consists of modules which you can do over a period of time. Once they are all completed and you have passed the assessment you will be sent a practical experience form. This needs to be filled out and signed then sent to Eddie Soria at eddie@athletics.org.nz for approval.
In conjunction with the online modules, you will need to complete the Level 2 practical experience for each module in the new Practical Experience Booklet which will be available shortly. Officials who already have signed off the old practical experience card will be able to have their experience transferred to the appropriate section in the booklet.
Level 3 will still consist of module education and assessment with Level 3 Practical experience.
Practical Experience Assessment
Officials working towards Level 2 or Level 3 accreditation will need to complete a Practical Experience Sheet for each module. A blank experience sheet is available in the Athletics New Zealand E-learning portal, under Library / Officials Resources / General Resources
( https://athleticsnz.elearning.worldathletics.org/library/66bc9745-d8e4-428d-bfe9-31ba12724527)
Before You Are Assessed
Practical assessments must be conducted by an appropriately qualified Level 3 (or higher) Assessor. It is a mandatory requirement that the official seeking assessment advises the Assessor before the competition begins. This allows the Assessor to observe and evaluate the official’s performance throughout the day.
Completing Your Practical Experience
Depending on the level you are working towards, you will need to complete either 10 or 15 competition days at Senior Centre level or above. Each line on the experience sheet represents one competition day, not one event.
For example:
- If you officiate at all three Jump events during a competition day, record this as one entry on your Jump Module Experience Sheet.
- If you officiate at a Jump event, a Throw event, and a Track event on the same competition day, you may record one entry on each relevant module sheet.
Assessor Sign-Off
At the end of each competition day, the experience sheet must be completed and signed by the Assessor. Please note that Assessors may only sign off one competition day per module, regardless of how many events within that module were officiated on that day.
Education Requirements
Before sitting your Level 2 or Level 3 examination, you must attend the required Education Seminar. Contact your Officials Development Officer (ODO) for information on upcoming seminars in your area, or click on the link under “Upcoming Officials’ Courses”.
Officials are also required to attend the annual Athletics New Zealand Education Seminar, usually held prior to the National Track and Field Championships.
Next Steps
Once you have completed all practical experience requirements and attended the required education seminars, contact your Officials Development Officer to arrange to sit your Level 2 or Level 3 examination.
Upcoming Officials Courses
For upcoming officials courses please click on this link
Resources
World Athletics Officials Resources (click here)
World Athletics E-Learning (Click here) – Great for new officials, parents and teachers to the sport.
The World Athletics Rule Book App is just that; a rule book with an easy use index to help find the rules of an event quickly & easily. A great tool for athletes, coaches & officials alike. The English version is now available to download on the platforms Apple Store Click here and Google Play Click here:
Athletics New Zealand Officials Resources (click here)
Oceania Athletics (click here)
Athletics New Zealand Pathway – Officials
Officials Achievements and Awards
Athletics Auckland Official of the Year
2023/24 Mrs Fiona Free
2020/21 Mr Paul Curry
2019/20 Mr Errol Flynn
2018/19 Mr David Sim
2017/18 Mrs Jenny Bristow & Mrs Thelma Teesdale
2016/17 Mr Peter Booker
2015/16 Mr Trevor Cowley
2014/15 Mr Murray Free
2013/14 Mr Geoff Haigh
2012/13 Mr Paul Craddock
Athletics Auckland New Official of the Year
2023/24 Mr Ray Morgan
2020/21 Mr Greg Sands
2019/20 Miss Angelina Revell-Lewis
2018/19 Miss Abby Baptist