Following ongoing collaboration with the Home Country Athletics Federations (Athletics Northern Ireland, England Athletics, Scottish Athletics and Welsh Athletics), UKA can confirm the following update in relation to the delivery of the officials’ education and the qualification pathway.

The UK wide Officials Strategy (launched in November 2021) sought to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the governing bodies within an officials context, and in relation to the role of UKA. As a result we are pleased to announce that the HCAFs will now take on an increased level of responsibility for the operational delivery of the officials’ pathway from the Assistant Officials award up to and including Level 3 Officials.

UKA will retain full accountability and responsibility for all higher-level officials; Levels 4 & 5 as well as those operating as International Technical Officials (ITO) or those falling under the equivalent World Athletics, World Para Athletics or European Athletics qualification schemes.

The goal is to create a more effective and flexible delivery of officials education which allows the HCAFs increased ownership to support and develop officials at the appropriate stage of their journey within the sport. They will have the accountability and responsibility for the operational delivery elements including; course and qualification structure and content, tutor training and development, scheduling and delivery at Levels 1 – 3.

UKA and the HCAFs will continue to work closely to ensure that the needs and on-going support to technical officials is prioritised including the delivery of more developmental activity including; conferences, webinars, the ‘Communities of Practice’ series, mentoring and other support services as required.

In addition, the UKA Technical Advisory Group (TAG) and Education Sub Groups will remain in place with an amended remit focussing on the higher level qualifications and supporting higher level officials and those operating internationally.

These changes will not affect the existing structures in place for the selection of Technical Officials for Major events and all Technical Officials will remain under a UK licencing scheme.

For any queries please contact official@uka.org.uk