Officials Training and Registration

Are you interested in becoming a trained official?  Do you want to upgrade your official level? Officials Course Level 1 and 2 are now available online for FREE.   To access the courses, please follow the link below.

Officials Courses - 101 and 201

JUNIOR OFFICIALS PROGRAM

To get started on registration, please complete this FORM

Introduction to Para Athletics for Officials

Did you know that the rules of Para Athletics are almost as identical as those of World Athletics?

Considerations are made to the rules to accommodate athletes functional impairments. For example, an athlete with a vision impairment may use a guide and a tether to run or an athlete with an upper limb difference may use some starting block assistance.

Introduction to Para Athletics

Training Info

SA and Starters Clinic Handouts

SA and Starters Introductory Clinic

SA and Starters Roles and Responsibilities

Call Room

Officiating Throws

OFFICIAL ROLES

RolesDescriptionTime Commitment
StarterActs as lead on the start of all racesDuration of Meet 
Starter AssistantAssists head starter with starting dutiesDuration of Meet 
MarshallsAssist with athlete check-in and providing hip numbers. Works with start crew to ensure efficiency of races.Duration of Meet 
UmpireEnsures events are being ran according to the rules, (athletes stepping over lines, impeding others etc.)Duration of Meet 
Finish Line JudgeEnsures finish area is in order, assists photo timer when necessary, keeps area moving.Duration of Meet 
Lap CounterPost the remaining number of laps in race, ringing bell on final lapDuring all races over 400m
Split ReaderReads times as athletes pass finish line for pacing purposesDuring all races over 400m
Photo Timing OperatorOperates Finishlynx software, timing and evaluating all racesDuration of Meet 
Meet Manager OperatorOperates Meet Manager software. Inputs and prints results, makes nessacrry changes in heats/lanes.Duration of Meet 
AnnouncerAnnounces upcoming races, meet information, general announcements.Duration of Meet 
Set-upHelping with general setup of equipment such as tables/chairs, tents, high jump equipment, throws sectors and implements, jumps racks and shovels, moving hurdles, blocks etc.2-3hours before start of meet
TeardownHelping with the removal of all supplies and equipment used - Tables/chairs, tents, hurdles, blocks, high jump equipment etc.2-3hours after conclusion of meet
Hurdle and Block AssistantAssisting with the moving and raising/lowering of hurdles/steeplechase barriers and moving blocks off trackDuring all hurdles/steeplechase races
Jumps OfficialLead on the running of the jumps event. Responsible to ensure event is run according to rules and in an efficient mannerDuration of Horizontal or Vertical jumps events
Jumps AssistantAssists jumps officials in the efficient running of the event, may include tasks such as shovelling/raking the pit, placing of the high jump bar, pulling measuring tape etc.Duration of Horizontal or Vertical jumps events
Throws OfficialLead on the running of the throws event. Responsible to ensure event is run according to rules and in an efficient mannerDuration of Throws events
Throws AssistantAssists throws officials in the efficient running of the event, may include tasks such as pulling measuring tape, retrieving implements, calling competitor names etc.Duration of Throws events

Official and Volunteer Services

 

Ensures officials and volunteers are looked after during the meet, providing support where needed and bringing food/water when neededDuration of Meet 
RegistrationActs as the lead with athletes and teams registering on the day of competition. Collection of money in some cases and handling of bib numbers 

Officials Levels and Pathway

Level 1 and Level 2 trained officials are eligible to upgrade their status to Level 2 and Level 3.  This upgrading is based on hours officiated in Nova Scotia and at meets across Canada.  

Officials wishing to upgrade to Level 2 or 3 must meet all conditions on the upgrading forms, found below.  Upgrading forms can be completed at anytime and sent to athletics@sportnovascotia.ca

Officials may also send a request to ANS for an evaluation and must work as chief official for the discipline being evaluated on.

Upgrading

Level 2 Upgrading Form

Level 3 Upgrading Form

Officials Rewards

We have implemented a Volunteer and Officials Rewards System (effective November 2022).  It is our way of saying thank you to everyone for assisting us during our track and field/cross country events.

Volunteers - $20 gas card per day

  • Level 1 Officials - $25 gas card per day plus tshirt
  • Level 2 Officials - $30 gas card per day plus tshirt
  • Level 3 Officials - $35 gas card plus $30 honorarium per day plus golf shirt and name tag
  • Level 4 Officials - $40 gas card plus $40 honorarium per day plus golf shirt, name tag and hat
  • Level 5 Officials - $45 gas card plus $50 honorarium per day plus golf shirt, name tag, hat and jacket

*** No $10 meal vouchers will be provided.  Those are being replaced by a $10 gas card increase.

**** Officials travelling over 100 km one way (+ or - 10km) for meets will be reimbursed a mileage rate of 0.35cents (effective March 12, 2024) per km.  They will NOT be provided extra gas cards.