SHAUNA BRATTEN (L1 Endurance and L2 Field)

Northern Ireland

How long have you been an official?

I started volunteering at road races, cross country and other sports as a child; marshalling at events or helping out at registration. I then started working within the events industry but wanted to still volunteer as well.

I am marketing and events manager for Athletics NI. I started working for Athletics NI five years ago as an admin and events assistant. I hadn’t been involved in field events at that time, so I decided to do the Assistant Officials course to learn more about this area. I found that I really enjoyed officiating especially in the field, and so progressed to do more officials courses.

The officials are an amazing bunch of volunteers, who are very friendly and look after new officials and the training of officials so well.

I have been a qualified Field Official and an Endurance Official since 2017.

What interested you about officiating?

I started officiating to learn more about the track and field side of athletics. I grew up competing in cross country, as well as volunteering at cross country and road races, and have always found that volunteering is a great way to learn new skills and develop in sport. I ran for Springwell Running Club, competing locally, for my club and my school, at cross country.

The field events, in particular, were an area I didn’t know a lot about, and I found that volunteering and officiating helped me get a better understanding of the varied events.

Where are you in your officiating journey? (Level/discipline)

I am currently a Level 2 Field Judge and a Level 1 Endurance Official and am working towards my Level 1 Photo-Finish.

I have officiated at local events around Northern Ireland, mostly at the North Down AC meetings and the “Firmus Fab 5” meets, as well as some of the Athletics NI open meets and championships.

What is your favourite moment as an official?

The best moments in officiating for me have always been that moment when it all comes together for an athlete, whether they are trying something new, or returning after a break. It’s amazing to see them doing well and enjoying their sport, and to witness that moment when it all ‘clicks’ for them.

What do you love most about officiating?

I really love the camaraderie with the other officials. We have an amazing bunch of officials in Northern Ireland, who are so welcoming and helpful when you don’t know the answer to something, and they are always so quick to lend a hand or help.

There is always a friendly face when you arrive at an event to help you and I think this makes a huge difference for the athletes, coaches and parents.

What are your ambitions in officiating?

I am currently working towards my Level 1 in Photo-Finish and I would love to progress in Endurance and Field officiating. I am just at the beginning of my officiating journey, so I’m excited to see where it will lead!

What would you tell others thinking about becoming an official?

Do it! It doesn’t matter if you’ve never stepped onto a track or a cross country course before. No matter what discipline of officiating you decide to follow, there will always be plenty of people around to support and guide you as you learn.

The sport is always glad of officials, and you get to join a fantastic group of people, helping to make their sport happen.

Using only three words describe what officiating means to you.

• Fun!
• Rewarding
• Social