UK Athletics has introduced the Track and Field Rater, an anonymous online tool to gather real-time user feedback on athletics facilities across Britain. The initiative aims to complement formal inspections and drive improvements in quality and safety. Scottish and English athletics bodies are encouraging widespread participation from athletes, coaches, and spectators.
On February 6, 2026, UK Athletics (UKA) unveiled the Track and Field Rater (TFR), a simple online feedback form designed as a 'one stop shop' for rating track and field facilities and equipment. This anonymous tool allows users to submit real-time comments between the formal TrackMark inspections, which occur every three years at venues.
The TFR will help UKA engage with venue operators by highlighting good practices and pinpointing areas needing improvement or investment. If users report safety concerns, the venue team is notified to address them promptly. Ed Hunt, UKA's Facilities and Planning Manager, emphasized the collaborative effort: "The reality is that we must all work together with venue operators to both maintain and improve the quality of track and field facilities across the country."
Hunt further noted the value of grassroots input: "While TrackMark accreditation ensures that facilities meet minimum standards and are safe and fit for purpose, user data from the TFR will give us more consistent feedback and contribute to on-going monitoring of performance, quality, and safety standards. Grassroots users of track and field facilities are in a unique position to give us real life feedback... We're obviously interested in the views of athletes, but we're equally interested in the views of coaches, officials, volunteers and spectators. The more data we have, the better the picture we have of UK facilities."
Scottish Athletics is actively promoting the tool to its members, urging involvement to elevate standards in Scotland. Access is available via a dedicated link, shared with affiliated clubs, member athletes, licensed coaches, and officials. QR codes will also be placed in facilities for immediate feedback. This launch builds on existing accreditation processes to foster ongoing enhancements in athletics infrastructure.