Become a Volunteer / Technical Official

Weightlifting Wales and the whole sport across the nation relies on the passion, dedication, and support of volunteers and technical officials who help create safe, professional, and enjoyable competitions for all participants at every level.

Whether you are new to the sport, a parent wanting to support events, a student looking to broaden your experience, or an experienced member of the weightlifting/para powerlifting community, there are a variety of opportunities to get involved. We consider all our volunteers as an integral part of our team, as without them we would not be able to run our events.

From event loaders, to chief marshal, to referees, timekeeper, and technical controllers, every role contributes to the success of our competitions across Wales. Volunteering with Weightlifting Wales is a great way to:

Support the growth of the sport
Develop new skills and qualifications
Gain experience within event delivery
Meet like-minded people within the community
Contribute to positive athlete experiences
Be part of national competitions and on the pathway to be an international level technical official

Training and guidance are provided for loaders at events, with clear pathways available for technical officials wishing to progress up the ranks through the different qualifications and gaining experience at regional/national events to take to IWF affiliation.

We welcome individuals from all backgrounds who are enthusiastic, reliable, and eager to support the sport. You do not need to be a competitive Weightlifter/Para Powerlifter to learn how to do any of these roles. At the same time, if you are a lifter, you can fit in voluntary roles around your own competition schedule.

Our Technical Officials are skilled individuals who are knowledgable about the rules and regulations of the sport, the operations of competition and are great team players, working together to ensure each part of the competition runs smoothly for the competitors. WW offers shadowing opportunities for newly qualified Technical Officials to support them in learning more and developing.

Loaders are highly sought-after, hard-working and quick-thinking individuals. As a loader, you are fully immersed in the competition, you are responsible for the preparation of the bar and platform for each and every single lift in the competition. You will have a platform-side view of the competition and work as part of a team to load efficiently and accurately.

All event volunteers at Weightlifting Wales events will receive reimbursement for travel expenses as well as have accommodation/food booked for them. The volunteers will be welcomed into a supportive team of people who love to give back to the sport.

If you are interested in becoming a loader for Weightlifting Wales, please get in touch with us at admin@weightlifting.wales

If you would like to become a Technical Official, take a look at the courses available via the BWL education page, or get in touch with us for advice!

ALL Technical Officials in Wales will be required to upload their certificate to Sport80 to prove they have completed the required safeguarding course, which can be found HERE

Paul Fowles Photography Weightlifing Wales Llanelli WL Academy 13 and 14 June 26 90

Paul Fowles Photography Weightlifing Wales Llanelli WL Academy 13 and 14 June 26 205

Technical Official profiles

What made you get involved as a Technical Official?

To help the sport further while not being heavily involved in it as much as an athlete.

What do you like about being a TO and volunteering at events?

The support and comradery within the sport still. The ability to help where I can and still have fun while doing it.

Why do you think volunteering is important in sport, and what would you say to someone considering becoming a Technical Official?

Volunteering plays a vital role in sport because it underpins the delivery, fairness, and accessibility of competitions at every level. Without volunteers, many events simply wouldn’t happen. Roles such as coaching, officiating, and event support help create structured, safe, and enjoyable environments where athletes can perform and develop. It also strengthens the sense of community within sport, bringing people together and fostering shared responsibility for its success.

For someone considering becoming a Technical Official, I’d say it’s a rewarding way to stay closely involved in sport while developing a new skill set. You gain a deeper understanding of the rules, build confidence in decision-making, and play a key part in ensuring competitions are fair and well-run. It can also open up opportunities to progress within the sport, meet a wide range of people, and contribute meaningfully beyond just participation. If you enjoy being part of the action and want to give something back, it’s definitely worth exploring.

Tell us your previous experiences within weightlifting and of any achievements as a competitor?

Around 1985 to 1986 I had suffered a serious back injury as an international shot putter and was told to give up throwing the shot or end up in a wheel chair. Some months later I was encouraged to try weightlifting.

In 1987 I qualified for World Champs by wining my category and subsequently went on to do a further three Worlds placing 6th highest ranking in Indonesia 1988.

During the 1990s I won EU Cup in weightlifting and other international events alongside competing in powerlifting at numerous championships including medalling at Worlds. As a Master lifter from the 2000s I won two World Master Games and second place at a further three World Master Games. I am in the Hall of Fame for both Worlds and European Masters. My involvement in weightlifting has spanned over forty years!

What made you get involved as a Technical Official?

I became involved in Technical Officiating just by being available to help out at school events or moving equipment at Crystal Palace, or loading when they were short of volunteers. Most times I would help out cleaning up and putting equipment away after competitions. As time I was encouraged to take exams in weightlifting and powerlifting national level to help out at club level competitions. In 2002 I was invited to take my Cat 2 exams and in 2007 I took my Cat 1 exams to be an International Technical Official. From 2012 to 2025 I have attended three Commonwealth Games - 2014 as a Chief Loader and 2018 and 2022 Games as a Technical official.

What do you like about being a TO and volunteering at event?

I enjoy being Technical Official because I enjoy the sport of weightlifting and I respect the technical officials from my past history who worked hard and consciously to ensure they ran a good competition. I see myself replicating their hard work through being a volunteer technical official who looks after people at the highest level, encourage coaches and athletes to obtain the best sporting result and that requires a good knowledge of the sport. It is a blessing to put back into society of what I took out of it.

How would you describe the weightlifting community in Wales?

The Weightlifting Community in Wales in my eyes should be a benchmark of how to treat and respect a Technical Official around the World. Weightlifting Wales has developed a tier of behaviours around Hospitality, Friendliness, Financial and Educational support and Diversity of Technical Official Duties that enhances learning, and technical knowledge if you want it. Indeed the Weightlifting Wales competitions I have attended has ensured all that I have mentioned above and more but equally proficient medical personnels are on duty and visible to the public if help is required. Furthermore Safeguarding is highlighted and taken seriously.