Athletics NSW Official Matthew Webster - Finalist Sport NSW Awards

10 June 2022

Athletics NSW Official Matthew Webster - Finalist Sport NSW Awards

Athletics NSW proudly announces Newcastle-based official Matthew Webster, has been named a finalist in the prestigious Sport NSW Community Awards. Matthew, along with three finalists from other sports in the Young Official of the Year Award. Matthew follows his brother Thomas, who was a finalist in 2021. The announcement of the winners will be on Thursday 30 June 2022 at CommBank Stadium at a function hosted by the Hon. Stuart Ayres, Minister for Sport.

Ahead of the announcement, we caught up with Matthew about what motivates him to volunteer, and his entry into officiating. Good luck Matthew.

ANSW: When did you first officiate and how did you get involved?

Matthew: I have been doing starting at zone and regional level for LANSW for 4 years. I had been an athlete but decided that I would prefer to help run events. My mum had officiated in Sydney for Athletics NSW for a number of years. I would travel to Sydney with her and dad and watch my brother compete while mum officiated. My dad passed away at the end of 2019 and I decided for the next season that instead of sitting and watching on my own, I wanted to be involved.

ANSW: A number of members of your family also officiate.

Matthew: Yes. My mum has been an administrator and officiated for LANSW for about 20 years and has officiated for Athletics NSW for the last nine years. My brother who competed as a Multi class athlete began officiating two years ago.

ANSW: What sports have you been involved with and your hobbies and interests?

Matthew:I competed in athletics up until the age of 15. I play lawn bowls and have represented our Zone as a junior and play Pennants for Kahibah Sports Club. My interests include sports, cooking, woodwork and spending time with family.

ANSW: What are and have been your major officiating roles and meets over your career?

Matthew:I am on the start team and have officiated at NSW Juniors, Opens and Masters, All Schools and Country Championships

ANSW: During your career what have been your highlights and favourite moments and athletes?

Matthew:Starting my very first race at an Athletics NSW event in Sydney is definitely the main highlight. I don’t really have any favourite moments but I love being a part of helping to run competitions and seeing all the athletes compete. One of my favourite athletes is Michelle Jenneke.

ANSW: What brings you back each week?

Matthew:The love of the sport. In the winter season I also help run school carnivals in Newcastle.

ANSW: What are your future goals in athletics?

Matthew:To keep learning more about the start team roles and to hopefully one day officiate at Nationals. If I can officiate at Commonwealth Games one day that would be a great experience and something to work towards.

Thank you Matthew for your volunteer service.

David Tarbotton for Athletics NSW

Image: Matthew Webster at the 2022 NSW Country Championships