Motorsport Australia’s Buddy Program takes place at National and International level events, offering experienced accredited Motorsport Australia officials the opportunity to partner with new and international officials during their first event. From the Australian Grand Prix to Supercars events and more, it’s a program grounded in learning, development and community values.

Motorsport Australia Chief People Officer Nicky Lennon explains the purpose of assigning a buddy is to help welcome newcomers and reaffirm their decision to become a volunteer official.

A designated buddy can also act as a sounding board who offers encouragement to a new or international official, while they become familiar with the local events landscape and Australian culture, offering advice and guidance on the day-to-day aspects of officiating.

“This program offers benefits to the new/international official, the buddy, Motorsport Australia, and event promoters,” Lennon said.

“It provides new and international officials with a reliable, motivated, single point-of-contact for their basic questions regarding their officiating experience at a Motorsport Australia permitted event.

“It also helps establish orientation as a process rather than a single learning event.”

Lennon notes the important difference between a buddy and mentor.

A mentor guides an official’s development and offers feedback about their career trajectory over a period.

A buddy is someone they will work with closely at their first event and who will help guide them through processes, tasks and other aspects of their first Motorsport Australia event experience. The buddy can remain a go-to resource ongoing, but it is the role of mentor or senior official to oversee an individual’s development or performance.

Motorsport Australia also relies on feedback from its officials to continue improving its processes and procedures.

Lennon added the program is regularly evaluated to ensure it continues to meet the needs of all involved, and for the benefit of the entire sport.

“At events, the buddy will encourage feedback from officials participating in the program,” Lennon stated.

“At the conclusion of the event, they will meet with them to discuss their experiences, allowing the buddy to provide direct feedback to Motorsport Australia.”

Motorsport Australia prides itself on providing a welcoming environment for new officials at every level of the sport across the entire country.

For more information on becoming an official at Motorsport Australia, head to our website.