It’s Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week and we are shining a light on some of the amazing women leading the way in our sport.
Technical Official Moira Nisbet is the scottishathletics Head of Field Discipline. A member of Edinburgh AC, she also officiates for the Glasgow Jaguars.
How long have you been involved with athletics and what made you want to become an Official?
I’ve been involved with athletics since my daughter Jayne joined Edinburgh AC over 21 years ago. When taking her there and back, my husband and I would offer to help the coaches – putting the high jump bar back on, raking the pit or helping with timing.
One evening, we were asked if we would consider helping further and become officials as they needed licenced officials at some of their league matches to help gain valuable points for the club. The rest is history – I’ve been an official for over 20 years now!
I decided to move forward through the grades thanks to encouragement from my fellow officials. It also gave me a sense of pride as at every match I attended.
What is your favourite thing about being an Official?
I get such a sense of pride pulling on my purple top, knowing that when I am out on that field of play I am making a difference and helping others, both athletes and fellow Officials.
I always strive to encourage people to do their best and to be kind, as you never know what someone has left behind after they close their front door. On the field of play life can be stressful at times, but having your fellow officials there supporting and guiding helps to relieve that stress.
Why is it important to have women & 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 going through menstruation and women going through menopause these are difficult times and it’s important for leaders to understand these issues and support.
In leadership you need a balance of all types of people to get views from all different backgrounds. In our field peer group we have a mix of men and women, all with a wealth of different experiences of life and athletics to share.
What would you say to someone else thinking about becoming an Official?
Don’t think about it, just do it! You’ll never look back.
You could be helping the next budding Olympian, as without…
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