Officials

Surf Sports Official Level 1

National Officials Accreditation Scheme (NOAS)

In 2013, Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) undertook an independent review of its’ National Officiating Accreditation Scheme (NOAS) training programs and all other officiating development activities, and as a result has modernised its National Officiating Development Framework and NOAS Training Programs to deliver best practice education and development opportunities to all SLSA officials.

SLSA Surf Sport Officials training now sits under the umbrella of the National Officiating Accreditation Scheme (NOAS), which covers over 80 different sports throughout Australia and is managed by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC).  The new framework (as at September 2017) is taking over what was formally known as the Junior, Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 courses.  The major change to the Technical Officials framework is that it is now module specific and aligned with the level of athlete being supported on the athlete pathway from learn/explore to development, performance and high performance. 

SLSA Core Official

Officials working with entry level participants in a club surf sport environment (recreationally or competitively). Participants will generally be non-bronze proficient.

SLSA Technical Official 

Officials who choose to fulfil specific officiating role(s) and who work with participants (non-bronze proficient, Surf Rescue Certificate qualified or bronze proficient) who are actively competing in a club / branch / state surf sport competition environment. Officiating roles may include:

  • Marshall

  • Starter

  • Check Starter

  • Recorder

  • Timekeeper

  • Finish Judge

SLSA Senior Official 

Officials who choose to fulfil specific senior officiating roles and who work with athletes competing in state/national surf sport competition environments. Officiating roles may include:

  • Chief Judge

  • Referee

  • Area Referee

  • Sectional referee

  • Course supervisor

The Senior Official is also a mentor to other core and technical officials and can facilitate NOAS training workshops in their nominated roles. 

The Core and Technical Official Online Modules are now live, via the Members Area.  Login to the Members Portal, Go to the "Courses" section and Login to ELearning.

Process

  1. Complete the ASC Online Introductory Level to Officiating General Principles

  2. Complete the Technical Official Online Module via the Members Portal, eLearning

  3. Complete the Discipline Specific Online Module

  4. Attend a Discipline Specific Practical Workshop (state/national) and complete assessment

  5. Gain Accreditation

Officials monitor races and competitions to ensure that the rules are being followed. The officiating pathway follows a similar tiered structure to coaching:

  • Junior Official

  • Level 1 Official

  • Level 2 Official

  • Level 3 Official

Surf Life Saving SA is proud to support beginner officials through our involvement in the Coloured Shirt Program and will run Level 1 courses throughout the season.

How to become an official

These guides will take you through the steps required to become either a Core Official or Technical Official

STEP-by-STEP guide for becoming a Technical Official (roles such as Starter, Marshall, Results Recording)

STEP-by-STEP guide for becoming a Core Official (basic roles such as finish line & course judging)

Please note: you do NOT need to undertake a Core Officials course PRIOR to undertaking a Technical Officials course.

For those Technical Officials who would like to further their training & level of responsibility to become a Chief Judge, Course Supervisor or Referee, the Senior Officials course is the next step. This course is generally conducted once a year & includes a combination of online course work + group practical/scenarios. To register your interest, please complete the EOI through the SLS Members Area > eLearning > Officials Training area (click enrol under Senior Official course)