Essential support roles in sports!

By Laurier Thériault

After two days of preparation, the venue is finally ready to welcome the athletes, who will be the stars of a grand sporting spectacle set to unfold over three days. These athletes had circled these dates on their calendars for several months. Their preparations were designed to bring them to the peak of their performance at this precise moment in the season. For some of them, their names would even appear on a huge plane ticket, confirming their next destination: the Paris Olympics. It is the realization of a dream—or yet another rendezvous with history—for those whose names are familiar to the people taking their seats in the stands. These spectators are, in fact, extras—privileged witnesses to the event who will each take home their own piece of history. “I was in the stands right in line with the finish line; I saw how close it was! WOW, what a race!” “Our decathlete—what a well-rounded athlete. It’s impressive!” “It’s crazy how fast that little rookie is going. She’s flying down the track!”

But it wasn’t just the athletes who were gathered at the end of June. More than eighty people also had a role to play in this event—a very special supporting role. For a single 100-meter race, a dozen officials are needed, tasked with coordinating their movements and actions in perfect harmony, just as they’ve practiced dozens and dozens of times. Two starters, two assistant starters, one referee, six officials at the finish line—and that’s not counting the volunteers involved in reception, registration, and access control at the call room, the basket carriers, and so on and so forth. For the entire track and field competition, in addition to all the other volunteers, more than 80 people proudly wore the officials’ uniform and fulfilled their duties and responsibilities. Of course, they are counted among the volunteers, but this special group is directly responsible for the accuracy and integrity of the event. It was THE most anticipated track and field competition of the year in Canada… an Olympic qualifying event. For a regional-level competition, about twenty officials are normally required, but despite this, that number isn’t always reached…

In every sport, serving as an official requires hours and hours of training, preparation, and self-sacrifice! We supervise them, meet with them, evaluate them, and point out their strengths and weaknesses, all while hoping that they will be willing to improve their skills and stay on to fulfill this vital support role. If we don’t mention them during the event, it means they’ve done their job perfectly! That’s just how it is. Every sport relies on these essential individuals who are willing to master the rulebook as thoroughly as possible. They generously give their time to share their expertise and their love of the sport, often simply to allow others to experience their own unique moment—their passion for the sport.

As in many industries, Quebec’s sports world is facing a labor shortage, and this is particularly true when it comes to officials. This is the case for many sports—almost all of them, in fact. Unfortunately, more and more games are being canceled here and there due to a lack of officials. Those who do show up are, in turn, too often overworked. We are hearing cries for help.

A few months ago, I wrote: “Role models of perseverance and determination are important and inspire us all… Well done!” This time, I’d like to direct those words to the men and women who give so selflessly to serve as officials: Thank you for the countless hours you’ve dedicated to the sport and for all the energy you’ve shared so generously! THANK YOU! For taking on the challenge of working on the sidelines, at the back of the field, in a support role… your role is essential to the sport!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!