Dick and Clare Donovan are a husband and wife, Technical Official double-act who have been officiating for 10 years and been to events around the world.
Having started off as a runner, Dick followed Clare into triathlon having scratched his marathon itch, with the pair seeing officiating as a way to take part together and contribute to a sport that they both love so much.
“As the years went by in triathlon I wanted to put something back into the sport and there’s limited choices with either coaching or officiating being the obvious ones,” Dick said.
“I’d tried coaching when I retired from rugby but it never really appealed and maybe I should have become a referee then but passed the opportunity by. Becoming a Technical Official (TO) seemed to be the obvious choice to me and suggested to Clare that we follow this path.”
With a wealth of competitive experience behind them, from racing in local and Ironman events, and both representing the Great Britain Age-Group Team with Clare winning national championships, the Donovans have supported a wide range of events since first qualifying in 2011.
“There have been many highlights, from local events to World Championships, but I think the best overall experience was the week we spent in Pontevedra as TOs at the World Multisport Champs in 2019,” Dick continued.
“Just a great location, glorious weather, a great team of international TOs, some fantastic racing and some fabulous memories.”
“To some degree I agree with Dick,” Clare added, “That Pontevedra Multisports Event was a week of excellent competition in a wonderful location. But my role in Pontevedra was very challenging for a lot of reasons, so perhaps not entirely enjoyable.
“My highlight was perhaps being awarded the role of Chief TO for Registration for the Leeds WTS event in 2019. Daunting, a huge learning curve but an amazing experience, and a role I’m also doing this year, so I must have done something right!”
With Clare acting as Regional Official Coordinator for the South East, both are passionate about helping others in the region to get involved in officiating.
“The role of a TO is to ensure fair play in a safe and enjoyable environment at whatever level. As a volunteer, you need to have a reason for getting involved but you don’t need to be an athlete,” commented Clare.
“Perhaps you’re a parent or guardian of interested children, a partner of a committed or determined athlete, a coach looking to extend your skills or someone who just wants to help out.
“Whatever your background there’s a role for you. Staying local to support your club, gaining skills to move upwards to regional and then national events, and then further, for those with ambition, to international level.
“TOs are not just in place to give penalties, they have a role to educate, add to competitor enjoyment and promotion of the sport.
“The international ‘triathlon family’ of TOs gives us friends on all continents and has opened our eyes to varying and wonderful cultures. It’s hard work, but well worth the effort.”
If you’re interested in becoming a Technical Official, please email officials@britishtriathlon.org to be added to the waiting list for future courses.
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