Claudia Schneck
The second episode in the ‘Official business’ podcast series features Claudia Schneck, a former international athlete for Brazil who has moved into the world of officiating.
The only woman international technical official in South America, Schneck is an advocate for female athletes moving into officiating roles following their retirement from competition.
This ‘Official business’ series is presented by athlete and Athletics Ireland Women in Sport manager Lilly-Ann O'Hora and Vicky Huyton, coach and founder of the Female Coaching Network, as they interview some of the women involved in officiating.
In this episode, Schneck explains the significant action taking place within the Confederacao Brasileira de Atletismo, Atletismo Sudamericano and World Athletics. The Brazilian Association of Athletics Referees and The Women’s Referees Movement Group were established to address and understand the barriers and opportunities that exist for their members but most importantly, to tackle abuse and harassment in all forms.
Schneck has officiated at the highest level and describes being part of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as the World Athletics Championships, as “the dream of everyone involved in athletics”.
Empowering women in athletics
The Empowering Women in Athletics group on Facebook is an extension of the work of the Gender Leadership Taskforce, offering a community for women in athletics and a place where they can share stories and experiences as well as ideas and projects.
Asked for her one piece of advice for other officials, Schneck says: “To respect.
“Respect is a word that is very important. If you respect the decision, if you respect the position, if you respect each other. You don’t need to accept, but respect, and we will have a more peaceful place to work and to live.”
