Officials play an important part within our organisation and are integral to the ongoing delivery of our sport. Officials ensure competitions are run in a safe and secure environment, while maintaining rules and regulations.
Some Branches, as well as State events, require Clubs participating in competition to fulfill a quota of officials in order to compete in a carnival. To officiate at competitions, individuals must nominate to the relevant club, branch, state or national representative.
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).
There are four levels of the NOAS pathway as explained in detail in the SLSA Officiating Training Plan: Core Official, Technical Official, Senior Official and Performance Official.
All levels of officials’ accreditation share three basic objectives:
The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Community Officiating Essential Skills is a prerequisite for the Core, Technical and Senior Official Courses and is free of charge. The COES online course helps officials facilitate safe, inclusive and enjoyable competition environments for all participants. This course is not sport specific, however you will develop a knowledge and understanding in general official topics including:
This certificate covers Module 1 for both the Core and the Technical courses and is separate to those on the SLSA Members Area. Once completed, you do not have to complete it again.
Surf Life Saving NSW members who work directly with children under the age of 18 must complete a Working with Children Check (WWCC), unless their role is exempt under the legislation. The WWCC Guidelines outline these roles and exemptions.
Completed WWCC details must be provided to the club to be verified with the Office of Children’s Guardian. Failure to do so will result in suspension from any child related roles.
The SLSNSW Board has determined that all coaches and officials are required to complete SLSA’s online Child Safe Awareness course.