Margaret Werrett explains the pathway from starter to officials’ mentor

Margaret Werrett outlined her role supporting athletics officials as upgrading secretary for the Midlands and South West tri-region. She identifies officials ready to progress from levels two or three and helps arrange suitable regional assignments and reporting to support their development.

Werrett has worked as a starter or starter’s assistant since 1982, after first participating in athletics at school in Scotland. Her career includes starting the men’s sprint final at the London Paralympics and a further major assignment at the Tokyo Games.

She emphasised the role of mentors, continued practice and persistence in building an officiating career. Her account also addressed increased opportunities for women in starting teams and the largely voluntary nature of the work, with travel reimbursement differing from a regular paid role.