Volunteers’ Week | Jill Watt and Kirsty Ross
Amidst the spectacular performances from gymnasts on the floor at competitions, there is another intricate routine taking place behind the scenes. This routine is led by the floor managers, responsible for ensuring the event runs smoothly.
Jill Watt and Kirsty Ross have been acrobatic competition floor managers for close to a decade now. It was their children’s participation at acrobatic competitions that got them involved in the first place. Jill said:
“I filled in for a day and never looked back. I’m happy to do it especially if my kids are involved, I’m happy to be busy. I did sport when I was young and if not for parents volunteering it wouldn’t have happened. It’s nice to give something back to a different sport.”
Supportive
Alongside ensuring the event runs on time, Jill and Kirsty deal with concerns from gymnasts and coaches and liaise with Scottish Gymnastics staff to ensure everything is okay. Perhaps most importantly, they provide support to gymnasts in their final moments before performing. Kirsty said:
“The more you get to know them, you adapt and deal with different gymnasts. Some of the gymnasts want to be in a little circle whispering. Some of them want me to be talking absolute nonsense to them.
“It’s important to be patient, friendly and open. I always say the two minutes waiting to go on the floor is the most nerve-wracking part for gymnasts. It’s just keeping that nice relationship and that friendly face for them in the leadup to going on the floor.
Inspirational
Explaining how they have been able to continue volunteering in their roles for so long, Kirsty said: “I think we’ve built such a good relationship with everyone at Scottish Gymnastics. The coaches always appreciate us. It’s just nice to play your part and you feel as if you have achieved something when the vent runs smoothly. Everyone is so nice and so kind.”
Jill added: “It’s good to be able to keep the event on track for everyone that has put so much time and effort to the sport. We’re always involved in the decisions. We’re quite often asked for our opinion and input, and they are open to suggestion from us.”
Both Jill and Kirsty are involved with East Kilbride Gymnastics Club. Jill is a parent volunteer for fundraising. This means she organises club competitions, ensuring volunteers are in the right roles. Kirsty has been the club’s safeguarding officer for ten years and is a trustee member.
Having worked together so much Jill and Kirsty have developed an almost telepathic relationship. A little nod or hand single is all it takes to communicate. This experience and routine also makes everything easier for gymnasts and coaches. Jill said, “We’ve been doing it for so long that everyone knows us now.”
This was evident at an international event last February. Kirsty said, “At the Caledonia International, gymnasts from the other countries were saying things like ‘that Scottish gymnast knew exactly what to do.’”
Aspirational
There’s no promise of international recognition but both Jill and Kirsty believe volunteering in gymnastics is a great opportunity for anyone and everyone. Kirsty said, “Everybody is always welcome to the sport. The support and encouragement will be there. We felt very supported when we first took on the role.”
Jill said, “It’s great to volunteer and give back. As long as the competitions run smoothly, and we get good feedback we’re happy to continue.”
Feeling inspired by Jill and Kirsty’s volunteering journey? You can find information on how to get involved in volunteering with Scottish Gymnastics on our website. You can also find great resources on the volunteers’ week website.