international women's day: the officials' line - sue smith

01 March 2019

International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8 March every year and is a focal point in the movement of women’s rights.  This year’s campaign theme of #BalanceforBetter is a call-to-action for driving gender balance across the world. 

Athletics prides itself on being a gender balanced sport and our officials play a major part in achieving this, where currently there are 59% male and 41% female officials in the UK. In support of International Women’s Day 2019, throughout March, we will feature Officials across the UK to celebrate them and their commitment to athletics.  

Sue Smith is from Hertfordshire

What is your role as an official?
I am a Level 4 Field Official and a Level 2 Track Official.

How long have you been officiating?
Since 2004 - 15 years.

What inspired you to become an official?
I was travelling around with my children and started judging at grassroots level with the club

What would you say to anyone wanting to get into officiating?
I would absolutely and strongly encourage it. I find it very rewarding and have made some amazing friends who have become family to me.

What has been the highlight of your officiating career?
Judging at the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games 2012.

What can we do as a sport to achieve a #BetterforBalance in officiating?
Maybe by organising and all female mentoring / competition day where we could all get together judge / talk and then maybe socialise afterwards. 

Find out more about International Women's Day here. 

If you want to get involved in officiating, find out more information here.