Junior Officials Program

Athletics NS is pleased to announce the NEW Junior Officials Program.  

Welcome! Are you interested in learning more about your sport and officiating the many events of track and field? Then this is a program for you! Many of the current officials are former Track & Field athletes and coaches and parents who wanted to stay involved after their involvement with athletics had come to an end. The one thing that is the common bond is that all of the current officials have a true love of the sport and want to give back to the sport the great experiences that Track & Field has given to them. So they became Officials.

VISION

The vision of this program is to educate, train and provide more officials to Athletics Nova Scotia.   

Whether you are an athlete who currently competes and wants to learn more about your sport or you are simply looking for ways to be further involved in your sport, then this program will set you on your way to have a great experience in the sport of track and field.

BACKGROUND OF TRACK AND FIELD

Track and field is an international sport that dates back to the time of ancient Greece. Track and field was one of the main events that started the modern era of the Olympic Games. In Olympic competition, track and field is referred to as Athletics.

Junior Officials Program (JOP) Participant/Parent/Guardian Information

• This sport offers a variety of events that allows the participation of many types of athletes as well as many ages.
• Track and field involves running, jumping, vaulting, throwing, and race walking.
• Track meets however cannot be staged without officials to run these events for the athletes, giving them a safe venue to showcase their talents.
• Officials are at the track hours or days prior to a meet to set up and ready the facilities for competition. This applies to high school meets as well as the Olympics and World Championships.
• Officials can specialize in one event or learn to officiate all the events and positions that are part of a track meet. You will be given the opportunity to learn most of the events and positions that allow a track meet to run smoothly for the athletes, coaches, and fans.
• You will be paired with a certified trained mentor to help guide you through the journey of becoming a knowledgeable, well-rounded track official.
• Once you reach the age of 18, you will be eligible to become a Athletics Canada Certified Official.
• YOU are the Future of Track and Field!!

Program Requirements

• You must be between the ages of 12 and 17 to take part in this program. All Junior Officials in this program will be provided with an Officials Tshirt and a membership to Athletics NS.
• All participants must complete the CAC online SafeSport Course and Athletics Canada Officials 101 and 201 (both online) and agree to abide by the guidelines of Athletics NS. These courses are FREE.
• Those certified as Junior Officials will be eligible to officiate Association meets under an adult Certified Official who is at least a National Certified Level in good standing.
• You must be able to arrange for transportation to and from track meets in order to complete requirements (parent/self- transportation).
• Complete the required number of meets set by Athletics NS (3 meets per year)
• Participants who have successfully completed the required hours will receive a Certificate of Course Completion. 5

Program Benefits

• Hours earned during this program could also be used for any school related community service hours. Check with your school’s administration.
• You would receive a World Athletics Rulebook link to help you learn more about an event as well as possible situations that could arise that have to be addressed during an event.
• You have the opportunity to work with a variety of athletes and officials.
• Future opportunities in track and field:
  • Mini Meets
  • High school meets
  • Officiate at Provincial Championships
• Free tshirt
• Food gift cards for each meet attended
• End of year draw for grand prizes (gift cards, etc)

If you wish to become a junior official - please email [email protected] by November 12, 2022.