Club Officials

Donald Macleod had the difficult task on Friday night of trying yet again to get officials for the League Match on Sunday at Meadowbank. The usual suspects were unavailable - myself for family reasons and Phil because he is attending a christening. All clubs in 2009 are short of officials. We are no different. It is not a difficult task and is one that can be very pleasant. You get up close to the action, see what the competitors are really like and learn more about your favourite event. More club members should volunteer for this: Raymond Farrell learned a lot about the workings of the sprints when he became an official graded timekeeper.

In the 1980's and 90's Scott and Isobel Govan became Field Events officials and we were complimented on their being part of the team. Bill Scally of Shettleston on one occasion said to me that he was having trouble getting officials but he said "You're lucky, you have that family!" When I joined the club the main officials were all former cross country runners: Jim Shields and Willie Howie were timekeepers and judges, David Bowman was a recorder and organiser and John Morgan was a starter.

So how about it? Why don't you volunteer your services to Donald as an official? It's as easy as that. You don't have to become a graded official but you might want to go on to that. What's involved if you do want to become graded? One day at an official's course. They are held at Scotstoun and Grangemouth and you can pick from field events, track judge, timekeeper or even starter or wind guage operator!