Officials

Important Info

Exciting Update: Introducing Our New Provincial Upgrading System!

BC Athletics is thrilled to unveil a revamped upgrading system aimed at simplifying the pathway to Level 2 and Level 3. This update is set to make the process more accessible and tailored to individual goals.

Key Enhancements:
1. Revised Credit System
We've streamlined the credit system to better recognize your hard work. Now, officials earn one credit for every 3 hours worked, down from the previous 4 hours. This adjustment accelerates your progress towards certification.

2. Tailored Pathways for Level 2
Aspiring Level 2 candidates can now customize their certification journey. A majority of credits can be earned within your chosen discipline, allowing you to focus on developing expertise relevant to your goals while gaining experience in all areas. This flexibility ensures that your pathway to Level 2 certification is both efficient and personally fulfilling.

3. Specialized Pathways for Key Roles
We understand the unique demands of roles like photo finishes and competition secretaries. That's why we've introduced specialized pathways tailored to these positions. These pathways provide targeted training and certification routes, equipping you with the specialized skills needed to excel in these pivotal roles.

Benefits for You:
Accessibility: Earning Level 2 or 3 certification is now more accessible with credits and evaluations being available more frequently.

Flexibility: Customize your certification journey to align closely with your officiating interests and goals.

Specialization: Benefit from specialized pathways designed to prepare you for specific roles within your discipline.

 

Check out the New Provincial Upgrading Criteria here!

Officials Management System:

BC Athletics is excited to announce the launch of the Officials Management System in BC! The OMS is a software application which was developed to meet the track & field officials’ data management needs. This 
application is easily accessible, secure, and facilitates the collecting and sharing of that data for officials 
and track & field officials’ managers.

All officials in BC will be expressing their availability for meets through the OMS. If you are not currently registered with the OMS please fill out this form or contact Hailey at hailey.kjaer@bcathletics.org.

Is there incorrect information on your OMS profile? Fill out this form.

Upgrading Clinics:

Are you trying to upgrade your officiating qualifications in 2024? Make sure you are signed up for the required clinic for your discipline! 

Sign up for clinics here!

Unsure what you need to upgrade? Check out the Upgrading tab.

Upgrading

Check out this link for more information on upgrading to Level(s) 1, 2 & 3!

Want to upgrade? Complete this form!

Contact the Officials Upgrading Coordinator here! 

Officials at this level will act as the Chief at a National Championship, qualifier for a national championship and/or a meet involving para-athletes at venues inside and outside of B.C. They will also be eligible to officiate at international level meets.

Level 4 Certification Requirements:

  • 24 credits working as a Chief or Assistant Chief in the specific discipline. Experience requirements are listed in the National Officials Committee Upgrading Criteria document. Requirements include at least 2 credits at an indoor meet.
    • PLEASE NOTE upgrading to level 4 & 5 requires 4 hours officiating per credit earned
  • Successful completion of a National clinic and take home assignment in the discipline.
  • Successful completion of the NOC open book exam on the rules in the World Para Athletics Rule Book with a mark of at least 80%. Please send your completed exam answer sheet to jacob.emerson@bcathletics.org!
  • Completion of two practical evaluations by a National Evaluator. Evaluations are defined in the National Officials Committee Upgrading Criteria document. Requirements include being evaluated in all events or tasks within the discipline.
  • 2 years’ service since the last upgrading in the discipline.

Want to upgrade? Complete this form!

Contact the Officials Upgrading Coordinator here! 

NOTE: Upgrades to Level 4 are determined, evaluated and approved by the National Officials Committee.

Officials at this level will act as the Chief, at all meets including international level meets. These meets typically have more complexity in terms of international athletes (e.g., multiple languages), media involvement and involvement of international officials. Leadership and management skills are the predominate skills required at this level as well as the ability to proactively identify issues and address appropriately to minimize their impact.

Level 5 Certification Requirements:

  • 36 credits working as a Chief or Assistant Chief in the specific discipline since obtaining level 4. Experience requirements are listed in the National Officials Committee Upgrading Criteria document. Requirements include at least 2 credits at an indoor meet.
    • PLEASE NOTE upgrading to level 4 & 5 requires 4 hours officiating per credit earned
  • Completion of two practical evaluations by a National Evaluator. Evaluations are defined in the National Officials Committee Upgrading Criteria document. Requirements include being evaluated in all events or tasks within the discipline.
  • 3 years’ service since obtaining Level 4 in the discipline requested.
  • Having attended an activity such as a webinar, rules update or clinic.

Want to upgrade? Complete this form!

Contact the Officials Upgrading Coordinator here! 

NOTE: Upgrades to Level 5 are determined, evaluated and approved by the National Officials Committee.

Leadership Opportunities

Clinicians, Evaluators, Mentors

Overview

The Officials Certification Program, designed and maintained by Athletics Canada-National Officials Committee requires evaluators, clinicians and mentors to support the development of officials through the certification pathway. Information on becoming an evaluator, clinician and/or mentor is contained below.

Evaluator (Level 3)

Evaluators play a key role in the Athletics Canada-National Officials Committee Certification Program for officials by confirming an official has met the upgrading requirements of a specific level.

Evaluators (Level 3) will assess an official’s readiness for promotion to Level 3. The Evaluator (Level 3) is someone who can observe and assess an official’s performance for achievement or consistency with the requirements of Level 3 and, using good communication skills, provide honest and effective feedback.

More information on being an Evaluator (Level 3).

Clinician

Clinicians will assist in the delivery of the Athletics Canada-National Officials Committee Clinics Program for officials. The program fosters continuous improvement in officiating through a competency-based model and aims to ensure officials apply the rules in a fair, consistent and positive manner.

The Clinician is someone who has excellent communication skills in disseminating information and delivering in a way that maximizes retention of the key concepts. The Clinician must be able to “teach” a group or an individual through either in-person training or via video conference.

More information on being a Clinician.

Mentor

Mentors will assist in the delivery of the Athletics Canada-National Officials Committee Mentor Program for officials. The Mentor Program anchors the development program for officials through retention of new and existing officials and preparing officials for upgrading.

The Mentor is someone who listens and supports the Mentee become the best official they can be.

Working Groups - 2024

Mentorship

The Mentorship Working Group within the Official Committee is committed to helping each official become the best official they can and desire to be. This group plays a crucial role in developing and maintaining a mentorship program that ensures every official in the province has access to a mentor while encouraging experienced officials to contribute as mentors. The primary goal is to enhance the officiating experience, accelerate the development of officials, and increase retention rates through a robust mentorship framework. Currently, Vince Sequeria, Carol & John Cull, Dawn Driver, and Brian Thomson are members.

Development

The Development Working Group within the Official Committee is at the forefront of nurturing and advancing the skills of officials along the officiating pathway from Level 3 to Level 5. This group is responsible for coordinating essential clinics, managing the upgrading process, and ensuring officials possess the necessary soft skills for success. The role involves close collaboration with other working groups, particularly the Mentorship Working Group, to provide comprehensive support for officials at every stage of their development. Currently, Bill Koch, Wayne and Cheryl Elke are members.

Recruitment

The Recruitment Working Group within the Official Committee plays a pivotal role in expanding and nurturing the pool of new officials for our organization. This group is dedicated to identifying, recruiting, and supporting new officials to Level 2, ensuring they feel welcomed, engaged, and empowered within the community. The primary focus is on building a diverse and skilled team of new officials while fostering a positive and inclusive environment. Currently, Lanie Man and Cathy Carr are members.

​Regional Development Coordinators - 2024

Name Region Email
Carol Cull Lower Mainland (Zones 3,4,5)  johncull@telus.net
John Cull Lower Mainland (Zones 3,4,5) johncull@telus.net
Todd Blumel  Vancouver Island (Zone 6) toddler@shaw.ca
Vince Sequeira Vancouver Island (Zone 6) vince.sequeira@shaw.ca
Daniel Elke Okanagan/Kootenays (Zones 1,2) daniel.elke@me.com
Joan Harris

Northern BC  (Zones 7,8)

 jpcider62@gmail.com

Become an Official

Who We Are

  • Volunteers who ensure safe, fair, and efficient competitions.
  • Apply sport rules across various levels of competitions.
  • Come from diverse backgrounds and ages, including athletes, coaches, parents, and enthusiasts.

Why We Do It

  • Help make young athlete's dreams come true!
  • Staying involved in the sport
  • Social interaction
  • Strong sense of community
  • Skill development

How to Join

  1. Become a BC Athletics Officials Member
  2. Sign up for the Pathway to Level 2
  3. Start Officiating!

Admin Forms & Expense Claims

Expenses

Record Card

Event Feedback

Misc

Resources & Technical Info

Rule Books:

Other Rule Books:

Mentorship Resources

 

Quick Guides for Community Level Officials:

The BC Athletics Officials Committee, along with senior officials, has developed a series of Quick Guides aimed at aiding new officials and host organizing committees in achieving a more uniform and professional standard of officiating for track and field meets.

Acknowledging the scarcity of accredited officials, the committee understands that club or school volunteers may sometimes find themselves officiating without formal training or guidance. Hence, the committee advocates for the widespread adoption of these guidelines by all host organizing committees. By providing meet volunteers with copies of both the decorum guidelines and the specific event guidelines, host organizing committees can elevate the quality of their meets.

General:

Track:

Field:

Throws:

Jumps:

Professional Development

General

Technical

Track:

Umpire forms

Race Walk Forms

Field:

Para Training:

General Information

Information in this section is intended for Meet Organizing Committee members. BC Athletics Officials are available to advise at any stage of the development process, and are willing to serve on organizing committees as technical advisors. We also recommend that Host Organizing Committees make use of the Meet Director's Manual - updated 9/30/19. The Organizing Committee itself is responsible for:

  • entries and results
  • assembly and organization of equipment (see T&F Meet site preparation in left menu)
  • stadium booking and management
  • obtaining a sanction for the meet
  • development of a competition schedule
  • hosting and liaison for officials (see below)

More info:

Officials Annual Awards

As part of the recognition program for officials, BC Athletics provides four annual awards to officials to recognize exemplary contribution to Athletics in British Columbia. 

Officials must be nominated via nomination form. 

Official of the Year: 

Awarded to a BC Athletics Official who has made an outstanding contribution to Athletics in BC and/or across Canada, doing so with excellence and integrity, upholding the values of the sport. The recipient is automatically nominated for the “NOC Official of the Year”.
 

          Longstanding Service:

Awarded to a BC Athletics Official who has contributed dependable, long term and versatile service to athletics in BC.

New Official:

 Awarded to a BC Athletics Official who, in their first 5 years of officiating, has focused their efforts on developing themselves and others with consistancy and enthusiasm. 

Community Service Award:

This is a volunteer recognition award that will recognize and acknowledge a volunteer in our sport who goes above and beyond in their roles and contributes to the development of Officials in BC. Nominees must be members of BC Athletics

Official's Updates and Feedback

November 2024

During the event, updates were provided to the officials regarding the direction to be taken by BC Athletics in 2025 and the officials provided feedback and options for going forward.

OMS

  • Plan to post majority of the sanctioned Events into OMS in January

  • Officials will sign up to officiate at meets via the “My Availabilities” on OMS – Please note: signing up does not guarantee assignment to this event.

  • Please provide comments in the comments section when you submit your availability

Officials Volunteer Roles

  • We are creating a terms of reference to outline the different positions that the officials fill during or outside of the competition

  • Be you a mentee, judge, clinician, etc, the description of your role and the tasks assigned will be clearer to keep everyone on the same page

Record Cards

  • Plan to transition away from physical record cards

  • OMS will host the credits earned by officials

  • After a competition is completed, you will have 5 days to fill out the credits reporting form

  • For NOC upgrades we will help produce the documents regarding credits based off the OMS records.

Upgrading

  • Reducing the number of forms to be filled out

  • Creating resources to help individuals learn about the upgrading pathways

  • Making the process more transparent and accessible

Feedback

At the Officials Recognition Luncheon, feedback was collected from officials based on questions provided by BC Athletics. Below is a summary of the questions and responses: