Volunteers’ Week from 1-7 June gives us a chance to say thank you and recognise volunteers on the front line and behind the scenes.
On day six of Volunteers week Jamie shares his experience of volunteering as a Technical Official.
Jamie Gordon - Technical Official
"My first volunteering experience was at the June 2013 Wimbleball Lake IRONMAN, where I was due to compete, but was injured and could not start! A friend was competing, so I volunteered and had the job of catching those coming across the line… a great introduction.
I became interested in officiating not long after the Wimbleball Lake IRONMAN and soon after I applied for a Local Technical Officials (LTO) course (a one-day course) and thereafter I started shadowing at local events, before being signed of as competent.
There is a defined pathway for the development of Technical Officials, with guidance and training at each stage, working with other more experienced officials as part of a team at the larger. After 2 years of being a LTO and completing I was invited to train as a Regional Technical Official. My next stop on the pathway will be to attend the National Technical Officials (NTO).
Each step of the way so far, has been exciting, challenging but above all rewarding. Without the full support of Triathlon England and the great bunch of officials, I doubt that I would be where I am now, or indeed, would our sport be in such a healthy state as it is without them.
Being a LTO I am able to help those new to our sport and being able to ensure that all athletes can have a safe and fair playing field on which to compete.
I would certainly recommend being an official. It is a great way to be involved in a sport and you are actively involved in all aspects of the day."
Thank you Jamie for all you do for our sport!
As everybody within sport knows, the help given by volunteers is invaluable. Take a look at our Volunteers and Technical Officials pages where you can find out more about how to get involved in volunteering and the responsibilities of your role, keep up to date with any important issues concerning volunteers and hear about any new initiatives of which you should be aware.
