Thank you for your interest in helping us run one of our events. Helping out at one or two competitions a season makes a real difference to the smooth running of QMA, and many of the roles on meet day require no training at all.
Sport is a massive social good in our communities, and the public health benefits of keeping adults active cannot be overstated.
All our regions would love to have you. Send your regional representative an email if you would like to do any training for the roles that require it, or if you just want to see what a day's roster looks like. Stay all day, or come for a few hours.
Participating as an official or volunteer for QMA events means trading a deserved sleep-in for a long, rewarding day from the early morning setup to the final pack-down. It gives you a warm sense of purpose as you help events run smoothly, cheer everyone on and sharing plenty of laughs with a wonderful community of passionate athletes of all ages and abilities, while wearing an outfit that would be questioned anywhere else.
The question then is, why should you do it? The answer is easy.
The experience gives you deep personal satisfaction, a chance to learn new skills, and lasting connections with a dedicated group of athletes. Plus, you get to spend the day active outside soaking vitamin D (good for old bones) rather than cooped up on the couch.
Becoming an official and gaining experience in local events can also open doors to international competitions and global travel. Starting now could give you the perfect foundation and required experience to apply as an official for the Brisbane Olympic Games in 2032 and experience the action trackside!
Meet day roles
Some roles require just basic training which you can easily pick up when you turn up to volunteer. Others require more extensive training, and a longer-term regular commitment.
Roles with no pre-training required:
Turn up and one of our officials will run you through the role.
- Marshalls Getting athletes to the right place at the right time.
- Field event results recorders
- Lap counter
- Lap board and final lap bell operator
- Retrievers Returning the throwing implements to the athlete after each throw.
- Hurdles set up and pack up They are lighter than they look.
- General equipment set up and pack up
- Taking on-the-day entries
- Wind gauge operator For the jumps and for track events.
Requires some training and practice:
These roles require some more training and you will be able to do these under the guidance of an experienced official.
- Field event referee Determining fair or foul jumps or throws.
- Throws marking Spiking at the point of landing.
- EDM operator Operates the electronic distance measuring devices for throws.
- Track starter and recall Starts the track events, identifies breaks and recalls runners.
- Track referee For race walking events primarily. Generally done by an accredited official.
- Manual timekeepers Where electronic timing is not available.
- Technical manager Ensures all technical requirements are complied with, and certifies the implements and measuring methods used in any record claim. Generally done by an accredited official.
Requires greater training and guidance, and a longer-term commitment:
Roles that ask for a greater commitment from you, but can be done on a roster system so you can compete regularly. If you are interested, please let us know and we will get you started.
- Meet manager Operates the Meet Manager results recording system.
- Photo finish Operates the Photo Finish system for track events, transmits results to Meet Manager.
- Announcer Good for anyone who likes to talk and improvise. Worth coming to a few meets first to hear how it sounds. Championships ask more of the role: clear speech, commentary across the full range of events, and a good working knowledge of the sport and of masters athletics in particular.
If you are interested in becoming an accredited official see our Become an Official page. QMA is more than happy to help you gain your accreditation.
First aid
First aid at our meets is provided by a first aid professional, and as such, is not a volunteer role. Part of the competition fee paid by athletes covers this service.
Want to become an accredited official?
Accreditation is free, the training is a great way to learn the nitty-gritty of your favourite events, and it travels: officials who build experience at local meets can go on to work national and international competitions. Head over to our officials page to see what is involved.
