Officials
Lifesaving Sport Officials are vital in providing a fair and safe opportunity for athletes to compete. Certified officials establish competition integrity and the credibility of the sport of lifesaving. They foster trust among competitors, coaches, and spectators.
A Lifesaving Sport competition managed by certified officials yields the greatest opportunity for competitors to maximize performance within the rules. The presence of certified officials aids in the clear assessment of the skills and abilities of the competitors, providing individuals and teams with the opportunity to compete fairly and safely.
Officials Certification
As the governing body for lifesaving sport in Canada, the Lifesaving Society offers a certification program for lifesaving sport officials.
The Lifesaving Sport Officials Certification program is designed to assist with the flexibility of a variety of lifesaving sport formats, including Pool, Open Water and Emergency Response competitions. Certification is earned after participation and completion of each course. Experience is required to advance to the next level of the Lifesaving Sport Officials Certification program.
- Community Official: prepares volunteers with basic competitive lifesaving officiating skills. Volunteers are trained to act as a Marshall, Announcer, Timer, Runner, Ribbon Handler, Scorekeeper, and Equipment Mover during a lifesaving competition.
- Pool Official: provides volunteers with officiating skills requiring judgment and problem-solving skills. Volunteers will act as a Clerk of Course, Chief Timer, Starter, Referee, Stroke & Turn Judge, Chief Scorer, and Equipment Manager during a lifesaving competition.
- Meet Manager & Referee: provides volunteers with the information and skills required to organize a Lifesaving Sport competition. Volunteers are trained to coordinate and manage the logistics involved in running a successful sanctioned competition.
Parents, siblings, coaches, volunteers, or avid fans of Lifesaving Sport events are encouraged to take their Officials training. Anyone 12 years of age or older can become an Official; previous experience is not required. Officials training often corresponds with sanctioned competitions.
If you are interested in becoming an accredited Lifesaving Sport Official, both Community Officials and Pool Officials are available on the Lifesaving Society Online Academy.
