Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games - Scotland to invest in world-class sports officials

Scotland to invest in world-class sports officials

A specialist programme, the first of its kind in Scotland, has been launched which could give up to 600 Scots the unique opportunity to train as world-class technical officials for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The Scottish Technical Officials Development Programme, launched by Glasgow 2014 and sportscotland, will support the training of technical officials in all 17 Commonwealth Sports, from Lawn Bowls umpires to Weightlifting judges. Working with each of the Scottish Governing Bodies, Glasgow 2014 and sportscotland will support the development of experts to officiate at Games-time.

Approximately 1200 technical officials will be required to officiate at the Games, ensuring that all sport specific rules and technical regulations are implemented for Glasgow 2014. The development programme aims to identify and support Scottish technical officials to ensure that the maximum number is qualified, experienced and available to be considered for selection.

The programme will also contribute to the legacy of the Games. Not only will it provide each Scottish Governing Body with skilled technical officials capable of overseeing Scottish national competitions, but it will provide Scotland with a pool of skilled technical officials, capable of officiating in top internationals competitions around the world.

Glasgow 2014 Chief Executive David Grevemberg said:

“The dedication and hard work of technical officials from Scotland will be absolutely crucial in ensuring that Glasgow 2014 is an outstanding event. The ‘Scottish Technical Officials Development Programme’, delivered in collaboration with sportscotland, will give hundreds of Scots the once in a lifetime opportunity to play an integral part in officiating world class competition.

“This programme, in which £250,000 is being invested from now until Games-time, will ensure that a pool of highly skilled technical officials is available for future sport events following the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.”

sportscotland, Chief Executive Stewart Harris said:

“One of sportscotland’s priorities is to ensure that Scotland has the number and quality of technical officials to meet the demands of sport across the country for the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and beyond. This partnership with Glasgow 2014 and the governing bodies is all about investing in the future of Scottish sport and delivering a world class sporting system at every level.”