29 March 2019 

International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8 March every year and is a focal point in the movement of women’s rights.  This year’s campaign theme of #BalanceforBetter is a call-to-action for driving gender balance across the world. 

Athletics prides itself on being a gender balanced sport and our officials play a major part in achieving this, where currently there are 59% male and 41% female officials in the UK.  In support of International Women’s Day 2019, throughout March, we will feature Officials across the UK to celebrate them and their commitment to athletics. 

Alyson Harvey 

What is your role as an official?
I am a Level 4 Track Judge, a Level 4 Photo-finish official and hold the Competition Management Award (CMA).

How long have you been officiating?
30+ years. 

What inspired you to become an official?
I always had an interest in athletics; I was an athlete during the 60’s. I got involved again when my son joined a local club and I joined the vet (Masters) ranks. It seemed a natural progression to become an official and put something back into the sport to give the next generation the opportunities I had.

What would you say to anyone wanting to get into officiating?
If you like the sport and want to meet a range of people from around this country and possibly abroad, do it. You want to help give others opportunities within the sport,do it. I would also say this to older people not just young people.

What can we do as a sport to achieve a #BetterBalance in officiating?
Just give people opportunities to see what officiating is about. Provide an effective mentoring system and make people feel valued. Remember officiating is our hobby not a job.

Find out more about International Women’s Day here. 

If you want to get involved in officiating, find out more information here.