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.
National Officials Accreditation Scheme (NOAS)
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:
- To educate members to successfully administer their duties
- Ensure that each member who is appointed an official at any carnival, event or championship has the best understanding of Surf Sports
- Ensure that there are sufficient qualified officials available to conduct Surf Sports activities at all levels
OFFICIAL COURSE PRE-REQUISITES
COMMUNITY OFFICIATING ESSENTIAL SKILLS
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:
- Who you officiate
- How you improve
- What you officiate
- How you officiate
- Where you officiate
- How you connect
- How you engage
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.
How to log in to complete the COES certificate:
- Visit the website
- Create a login
- Once you have logged in to the Learning Portal, click ‘Browse Learning’
- Click ‘Community Officiating Essential Skills’
- Complete enrolment and begin the course
- Save a copy of the certificate and submit with all other completed course certificates
Working with Children Check
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.
Child Safe Awareness Course
The SLSNSW Board has determined that all coaches and officials are required to complete SLSA’s online Child Safe Awareness course.
FAQs
Why should you become an accredited official?
Becoming an accredited official is an important step in ensuring that you are providing a quality service to the participants you are working with and your accreditation will be endorsed by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC). NOAS is Australia’s system of training and accrediting coaches, which more than 80 sports participate in. You will be giving back to the sport of surf lifesaving and ensuring the future of our sport.
How do I enrol in a course?
Initially, discuss with your club whether they will reimburse you for the cost of this course or not. You will be required to pay for the course upfront using a debit/credit card before you can access any of the course.
Members can now participate in a course at any stage throughout the year and can access these through their SLSA Members Area. EtrainU can be accessed by following the steps below.
- Before you enrol in any course, please ensure you have a SLSA Members Area account.
- Contact the SLSA IT helpdesk if you are trying to enrol in a coaching course and need access to Members Area.
You will need to access this throughout the duration of the courses. To active your username in the system, please log on to the SLSA Members Area. If you do not have a SLSA Members Area account, or are having troubles logging in, please email the SLSA IT Help Desk and they will be able to assist you. SLSNSW cannot help you with this.
What happens when I complete the course?
Upon full completion of the online course please contact your Branch to organise a practical workshop and on the job assessment. After the on the job assessment has been submitted by your assessor to SLSNSW, your accreditation will be processed and a name badge will be posted (as appropriate to the accreditation you have completed).
Who do I contact if I'm having IT Troubles?
Please contact the SLSA SurfGuard helpdesk during the following hours:
8:00 am – 5:00 pm (AEST) Mon – Fri
9:00 am – 1:00 pm (AEST) Sat – Sun
Public Holidays: Limited service
Telephone support: 1300 724 006
Support Ticket Desk: support.sls.com.au
Email: surfguardhelp@slsa.asn.au
Reaccreditation
To relicense as a Core, Technical or Senior Official, the applicant must complete the Surf Official Reaccrediation Form (below) and submit a copy of a completed Surf Sports Officials Log Book to their Branch. This book shows the accumulation of a minimum of 100 points during the four year period of your participation at surf lifesaving sports and related personal development events.
If any members are interested in becoming accredited officials or their official qualifications need re-licensing, contact your Club or Branch Director of Surf Sports.