Scottish women and girls at Sport Week 2024

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

That’s it Scottish women and girls at Sports Week and we’re highlighting some of the incredible women leading our sport.

Technical Officer Moira Nisbet and the ScottishHead of the Athletics Field Discipline. A member of Edinburgh ACshe also runs the Glasgow Jaguars.

How long have you been involved in athletics and what made you want to become an Official?

I have been involved in athletics since my daughter Jayne joined Edinburgh AC over 21 years ago. When driving her back and forth, my husband and I would offer to help the coaches – putting the high jump bar back in, cleaning the hole, or helping with the timing.

One night we were asked if we would consider helping out further and becoming referees as they needed licensed referees at some of their league games to help gain valuable points for the club. The rest is history – I’ve been an officer for over 20 years!

I decided to move up a grade level thanks to the encouragement of my fellow employees. It also gave me a feeling of pride, as in every game I watched.

What is your favorite thing about being an Officer?

I feel great pride wearing my purple shirt, knowing that when I’m on that playing field I’m making a difference and helping other people, both athletes and fellow referees.

I always strive to encourage people to do their best and to be kind, as you never know what someone leaves behind after they close the door. On the field of play, life can be stressful at times, but having your fellow officials supporting and guiding you helps alleviate that stress.

Why is it important to have women and girls in leadership positions?

I think it is very important to have women and girls in leadership positions to ensure they can understand the trials and tribulations that women and girls can go through. For girls who are menstruating and women who are going through menopause, these are difficult times and it is important that leaders understand these issues and support them.

In leadership, you need a balance of all types of people to get opinions from all backgrounds. In our field peer group we have a mix of men and women, all with a wealth of different life and athletics experiences to share.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about becoming an Officer?

Don’t think about it, just do it! You will never look back.

You could be helping the next up-and-coming Olympian, because without referees there would be no competition for athletes. Without athletes and managers there would be no athletics and the world would be a sadder place.

Interested in becoming a Technical Officer? See our upcoming courses.

Photo by Gordon Innes

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Tags:
Edinburgh AC, Glasgow Jaguars, Moira Nisbet, Scottish Women & Girls at Sport Week