Technical Official roles, along with others, include the following;

• Referee
• Sectional Referee
• Chief Judge
• Recording Judge
• Starter
• Marshall
• Announcer

Surf Sports Officials play a vital role in the delivery and success of Surf Sports. Without their involvement, the sport would not be able to function effectively for its participants. Officials are essential at all levels of competition, and their presence ensures that events are conducted safely, fairly, and in accordance with the rules.

To compete in local carnivals, as well as Branch and State Championships, clubs are required to meet a quota of accredited officials. This requirement ensures that there are enough trained personnel to support the smooth operation of each event.

Accreditation for Surf Sports Officials is provided through the National Officiating Accreditation Scheme (NOAS), which is managed by the Australian Sports Commission. This scheme supports officials across more than 80 different sports in Australia. Under the NOAS pathway, Surf Sports Officials can progress through four levels of accreditation: Core Official, Technical Official, Senior Official, and Performance Official.

Surf Life Saving (SLS) members who wish to become accredited officials can begin the process by completing an online course available through the SLSA Members Portal. Following the online component, prospective officials must participate in practical sessions conducted on the beach and successfully complete an assessment. Once these steps are completed, the member will be officially recognised as a Surf Sports Official.

SLSA Core Official ($60)

SLSCC strongly encourage members considering becoming an official to complete SLSA Technical Official Course below. The SLSA Technical Official is compatible with the old Level 1 Officials Course.
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 ($60)

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 environments.

SLSA Senior Official

Officials who choose to fulfill 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.

Recording Patrol hours

Officials need to keep a permanent record of their official hours through the SLSA Officials Electronic Logbook. The electronic logbook has been developed to remove the requirement for a paper logbook and to improve recordkeeping.  The paper logbook is no longer accepted (historical paper records are still accepted)

Any accredited SLS Official has access to the Electronic Officials Logbook function in the SLS Members Area.

Official Points

To maintain your Official accreditation and be able to continue to official at carnivals you need to be reaccredited every 4 years

• Minimum of 100 points over 4 years
• Fill out the reaccreditation form and have it signed off on the beach

Submitting your Official & Coach Accreditation and Reaccreditation Award

If you or a new Official or Coach or an existing one renewing qualifications – please follow the steps in the link and ensure all required documentation is attached

Coaches

For more information on becoming a coach or reaccreditation of an existing coach award

If you need assistance completing your online coaching theory, follow these simple steps

The final step: select an assessor for your practical assessment