Officials

In this section:

News: updated Aug 17/10

BCA Officials Committee

Technical Information

Officials Development

Sprott-Shaw Community College: officials sponsor

Related pages:

About this page

This section has been designed for BC Athletics Officials, for those who wish to become Officials and for those who are organizing Athletics Events.

Officials are trained and certified individuals who are responsible for judging and supervising the competition at Athletics events. BC Athletics Officials volunteer their expertise and time to ensure the quality and fairness of competition in the areas of Cross-Country Running, Race-Walk, Road Running and Track and Field Events.

News (April 2010)

Officials' News Bytes - April

DID YOU KNOW ????

Level 2 officials hoping to upgrade to Level 3 are eligible for a one time only travel grant. This grant can be used either for mentorship or officiating experience and has a value of $200. So, if you — or your wishes — meet the following criteria, your BCA Officials' committee urges you to apply! What you require:

  • a meet that is outside your zone (e.g. travelling from the Lower Mainland to the Interior)
  • an interest in moving to Level 3 and need either work experience or one of your two required mentorship evaluations
  • an application in writing to:
    • Bob Cowden
      111 Trophy Court
      Kamloops, BC V2E 2N8
    • or by email to: rcowden@shaw.ca

And, to further whet your appetite, here are a few of the best meets for this application:

  • May 8/9 — Dogwood meet (Victoria)
  • May 22/23 — Kamloops Centennial (Kamloops)
  • May 28/29 — BC High School Combined Events (Abbotsford)
  • June 12/13 — Jesse Bent Memorial Meet (Coquitlam)
  • June 18–20 — Langley Pacific / BC Masters Championships (Langley)
  • July 16–18 — BC T & F Championships Jamboree (Abbotsford)
  • July 31–Aug 1 — BC JD Championships (Kamloops)

Hope to hear from you soon!

Big Changes in Age Class competitions in 2010

BC Athletics is moving in sync with Athletics Canada, making changes in Age class events, based on the Long Term Athlete Development Plan.

In BC, these will take place over two years. Changes for Midgets (14-15) and Youth will be in place on April 1, 2010. The 9-13 age group changes will be implemented in 2011.

Follow this link to read up on all the changes, the technical specifications, and the background to the decisions: http://bcathletics.wordpress.com/2010/03/17/359/

Some highlights of changes for 2010

For Youth (16/17)

  • 2000m SC replaces 1500mSC for Men and Women
  • 300mH replaces 400mH for Men and Women
  • 5000mRW now for BOTH Men and Women

For Midgets (14/15)

  • "New" False Start Rule will apply to this age group.
  • Rule 162.6 "Except in Combined Events", any athlete responsible for a false start shall be disqualified.
  • Midgets will be included as a 2 year age category in the BC Track and Field Championships, rather than the JD Championships.

We expect that these changes will be in place for the BC Championships, and at all or most of the meets sanctioned by BC Athletics.

This is unlikely to be the case at School oriented events, where changes may take place at a later time. As always, officials will cheerfully participate in whatever events the meet organizers list in the schedule. Any issues that come up during implementation should be reported to Brian McCalder at BC Athletics office.

Donations

We are very pleased to recognize donations to the BC Athletics Officials funds from:

  • South Fraser Track and Field Club ($500) and
  • BC Secondary Schools Cross Country and Track and Field Association ($500)

This will help us provide opportunities for officials' travel and upgrading.

Traveling this Summer?

If you are visiting other parts of BC this summer, don't forget to check in with the officials' coordinator for the local meets. The Coordinators are listed in our posted schedule. If it fits in with your plans, volunteering with a new group can be an interesting and useful experience... and we all need help. If you frequently travel to the Lower Mainland, and would like to be on the Zone 3,4,5 e-mail group, send a note to Carol Cull (carolcull@telus.net).

National Officials Committee Spring Meeting

Winnipeg, April 16-18, 2010

Notes from John Cull, BC Branch Chair

The NOC meets twice a year. Branch Chairs are invited to sit in as non-voting participants at the Spring session. It is a good opportunity for Branch Chairs to check up on trends in the other Provinces, and discuss national issues. Eight Provincial Branches were represented this year.
PDFFull document »

Technical update

New IAAF Rule Book and the False Start Rule

The results of the IAAF Congress (Berlin August 2009) have been posted on the IAAF Web Page.

The new Rule Book will be valid for 2 years (2010-2011), and will be in force as of November 1, 2009.

The most significant change in the technical rules is the re-write of the False Start Rule (162.7).The new language is very very clear and simple:

"Except in Combined Events any athlete responsible for a false start shall be disqualified".

This essentially creates a "zero tolerance" rule…..disqualification of any athlete for any false start. The only unknown (for us) is the application of the new Rule to Age Class events.

Of note: The two age classifications that will NOT be adopting this new rule will be the a) BC Junior Development and b) Masters athletes.

Throwing Implements

This is a technical note for all throws officials and Meet Organizers. Throwing implements must be certified at every sanctioned event. Competition Secretaries are required to submit a note with the results regarding the implements used. If, for some reason, the implements were NOT certified, then the Competition Secretary must be informed by the officials involved. It is good practice to include the implement weights for each athlete on the start list.

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BCA Officials Committee

Chair: John Cull
Vice Chair: Kathy Terlicher
Board Representative: Diana Hollefreund
Name Phone Email Term
expires
April Arsene unlisted arsene@telus.net 2010
Jackie Barrington (604) 939-1643 jbarring@telus.net 2010
Carol Cull (604) 599-6638 johncull@telus.net 2011
John Cull (604) 599-6638 johncull@telus.net 2011
Laurel Wichmann (604) 858-0515 lollyandron@hotmail.com 2010
Alice Kubek (250) 656-1863 akubek@shaw.ca 2010
Sue Kydd (604) 530-8224 kskydd@telus.net 2011
Kathy Terlicher (604) 433-1941 kdterlicher@shaw.ca 2010
Alwilda van Ryswyk (250) 372-9640 Alvan50@shaw.ca 2011
Shirley Young (604) 594-7990 chedro@telus.net 2010
Bob Cowden (250) 377-4586 rcowden@shaw.ca 2011
Lin Hopkins (250) 598-4429 timers2@shaw.ca 2011

Regional Contacts

Name Region Email Phone
Carol Cull Lower Mainland (Zones 3,4,5) johncull@telus.net (604) 599-6638
Alice Kubek Vancouver Island/Central Coast (Zone 6) akubek@shaw.ca (250) 656-1863
Lin Hopkins Vancouver Island/Central Coast (Zone 6) timers2@shaw.ca (250) 598-4429
Alwilda van Ryswyk Okanagan/Kootenays (Zones 1,2) alvan50@shaw.ca (250) 372-9640
Bob Cowden Okanagan/Kootenays (Zones 1,2) rcowden@shaw.ca (250) 377-4586
Judy Gaiesky Prince George
and the Great North (Zones 7,8)		 foursuns4@shaw.ca (250) 964-8448

Minutes

All in PDF format, requires free Adobe Reader to open.

For previous minutes please see the Governance page.

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Technical Information

measuring high jump

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 frequently willing to serve on organizing committees as technical advisors. The Organizing Committee itself is responsible for:

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

Hosting and Liaison for Officials

BC Athletics officials are unpaid volunteers. Their primary responsibility is conducting the actual competitions. Officials will generally act in a leadership role, directing and training local volunteers as required. They are occasionally compensated by Meet organizers for unusual out of pocket expenses, such as extensive travel (out of their home area). Otherwise, their expectations are the same as any valued volunteer:

  • timely request for services (through the regional coordinator)
  • souvenirs, such as t-shirts, if provided to other volunteers
  • complimentary meals every 4 hours
  • hot or cold (non-alcoholic) beverages

Track and Field Meet site preparation: checklists

ATHLETE CONTROL CENTRE:

Site Preparation: completed prior to commencement of the meet
  • under shelter, preferably adjacent to 100m start
  • accommodation for 2-3 "flights" or "heats"
  • closed to spectators
table 1 chairs 3
benches 3 water cooler 1
paper cups lots garbage can 1
writing paper lots marking pens 3
in tray 1 chart paper 4
hip numbers 2 rolls safety pins lots
blank athlete numbers (bibs) lots spikes (7mm) lots
clock 1 walkie-talkie or cellphone 1
duct tape 1 roll  

TRACK EVENTS:

Site Preparation: completed prior to commencement of the meet
Table (finish line) 2 Chairs 6
Starters Stand 1 Umpire's stools 30
Victory Stand 1 Water cooler 1
paper cups lots garbage can 1
Display Clock 1 Red flags 12
Lane Markers(1-8) 2 sets White flags 12
Sprints, hurdles, relays (additional to the above)
Starting blocks 8 Hurdles 10 flights
Relay batons 8 Windgauge 1
Distance, middle distance (additional to the basic list above)
lap counter 1 Bell 1
Traffic cones 30 Steeples 4
Race Walk (additional to the basic list above)
Dry erase display boards 2 Marking pens (dry erase) 2
Table 1 Water cooler 1
paper cups lots small sponges 24

THROWS:

For information on authorized implement weights, and for laying out sector lines (landing areas) see Kevin's Quick Guide to Throws PDF file.

Discus

Site Preparation: completed prior to commencement of the meet
  • sector lines laid out (50mm wide)
  • correct orientation of cage
  • safety inspection for netting or mesh
  • safety inspection; roped off spectator areas
  • shade for athletes
distance markers 40-50-60-70 metres discus stand 1
athlete benches 2 chairs 3
indicator board 1 Water cooler 1
paper cups lots garbage can 1
Small equipment (75 minutes prior to event)
Discus 4 Broom 1
Traffic cone 1 Cocoamats 2
Towels 2 Tape measures (100m) 2
Count-down clock 1 Meet record flag 1
White flags 2 Red flags 2
Yellow flag 1    

Hammer Throw

Site Preparation: completed prior to commencement of the meet
  • sector lines laid out (50mm wide)
  • correct orientation of cage
  • safety inspection for netting or mesh
  • safety inspection; roped off spectator areas
  • shade for athletes
distance markers 40-50-60-70 metres hammer stand 1
athlete benches 2 chairs 3
indicator board 1 Water cooler 1
paper cups lots garbage can 1
Small equipment (75 minutes prior to event)
Hammers 4 Broom 1
Hammer Insert Inside Ring 10' Stepladder 1
Traffic cone 1 Cocoamats 2
Towels 2 Tape measures (100m) 2
Count-down clock 1 Meet record flag 1
White flags 2 Red flags 2
Yellow flag 1    

Javelin Throw

Site Preparation: completed prior to commencement of the meet
  •  sector lines laid out (50mm wide)
  •  safety inspection; roped off spectator areas
  •  shade for athletes
distance markers 40-50-60-70-80 metres Javelin rack 1
athlete benches 2 chairs 3
indicator board 1 Water cooler 1
paper cups lots garbage can 1
Small equipment (75 minutes prior to event)
javelins 4 Broom 1
Runway markers 30 Wind sock 1
Traffic cone 1 Cocoamats 2
Towels 2 Tape measures (100m) 2
Count-down clock 1 Meet record flag 1
White flags 2 Red flags 2
Yellow flag 1    

Shot Put

Site Preparation: completed prior to commencement of the meet
  •  sector lines laid out (50mm wide)
  •  shade for athletes
distance markers 8-10-12-14-16 meters shot stand 1
athlete benches 2 chairs 3
indicator board 1 Water cooler 1
paper cups lots garbage can 1
Small equipment (75 minutes prior to event)
Shots 4 Broom 1
Traffic cone 1 Cocoa mats 2
Towels 2 Tape measures (30m) 2
Count-down clock 1 Meet record flag 1
White flags 2 Red flags 2
Yellow flag 1    

JUMPS:

High Jump

Site Preparation: completed prior to commencement of the meet
  •  pits assembled and covered
  •  uprights assembled
  •  shade for athletes
athlete benches 2 chairs 3
indicator board 1 Water cooler 1
paper cups lots garbage can 1
Small equipment (75 minutes prior to event)
Cross bars (4m) 2 Broom 1
Traffic cone 1 Count-down clock 1
Tape measure (6m rule) 1 Tape measure (100m) 1
Marking tape 1 roll Yellow flag 1
White flag 1 Red flag 1

Long Jump and Triple jump

Site Preparation: completed prior to commencement of the meet
  •  pits thoroughly dug
  •  water hose connected
  •  take-off board installed and levelled
  •  shade for athletes
1/4 inch poly rope 25m Wind gauge 1
athlete benches 2 chairs 3
indicator board 1 Water cooler 1
paper cups lots garbage can 1
Small equipment (75 minutes prior to event)
Runway markers 30 Broom 1
Plasticene board 2 Plasticene 2 blocks
Traffic cone 1 Shovel 1
Tape measure (15m) 1 Tape measure (50m) 1
Count-down clock 1 Meet record flag 1
Rakes 2 Yellow flag 1
White flag 1 Red flag 1

Pole Vault

Site Preparation: completed prior to commencement of the meet
  •  pits assembled and covered
  •  uprights assembled
  •  shade for athletes
  •  pole rack (sheltered)
athlete benches 2 chairs 3
indicator board 1 Water cooler 1
paper cups lots garbage can 1
Small equipment (90 minutes prior to event)
Cross bars (4.5m) 2 Broom 1
Traffic cone 1 Count-down clock 1
Tape measure (6m rule) 1 Tape measure (50m) 1
Marking tape 1 roll Measuring slide 1
White flag 1 Red flag 1
wind indicator 1 Bar lifters 2
Runway markers 30 Yellow flag 1

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Officials Development

Upgrading your certification

Athletics Canada recognizes a 5 level certification program. Requirements for upgrading at each level are outlined below. For a full list of requirements, read the National Officials Committee document Upgrading Criteria.

The Branch Officials Committee (BC Athletics Officials Committee) is responsible for the "Provincial" levels (1-3). Applications for upgrading for Levels 1-3 may be submitted at any time. The Branch Officials Committee processes applications for the National Levels (4-5) and sends them on to the National Officials Committee for decisions at their Spring and Fall meetings. Deadlines for submitting Level 4 and Level applications are March 15 and September 15 of each year. If you have already completed requirements for upgrading to the next level:

  • Download the correct form; Level 1,2,3 or Level 4,5
  • Send with required attachments by fax, mail, or scanned e-mail to Kathy Terlicher: see contacts.

If you need to complete requirements for upgrading to the next level this year, please fill in the upgrading survey form at the bottom of the Certification section. Information in the form will be sent to the Branch Officials Committee. A member of the Committee will contact you to discuss arrangements for obtaining required courses, credits or evaluations. You may contact Kathy Terlicher directly for information about requirements, opportunities etc. at any time: see contacts.

Requirements for Provincial Levels

Provisional Official who has taken a Level 1 training course
Level 1 Level 1 training course
6 officiating credits (24 hours work in any athletics discipline).
Level 2
(LDR)		 Community level official certified for LDR events only (Road Race, X-C, Road Walking)
12 credits in LDR events since last upgrading
1 evaluation, 6 mos. Service as a Level 1 official
Level 2 workshop (Running events only).
Level 2 Community level official certified for all events
12 credits (2 LDR, 4 Track, and 6 Field)
1 evaluation, 6 mos. Service as a Level 1 official
Level 2 workshop
Level 3 BC Official. Status is granted in a specific discipline.
16 credits in the specific discipline
1 years service as a Level 2 official
2 evaluations by senior officials.

Requirements for National Levels
Level 4 National Official. Status is granted in a specific discipline.
24 credits in the specific discipline
2 years service as a Level 3 official 
2 evaluations by senior officials.
National Clinic in the specific discipline
Level 5 International Official
36 credits in the specific discipline
3 years service as a Level 4 official
2 evaluations by senior officials.

Upgrading Survey Form

If you need to complete requirements for upgrading to the next level this year, please fill in this on-line form. A member of the BCA Officials Committee will contact you to discuss arrangements for obtaining required courses, credits or evaluations.

*Name (Last, First):
*This year I want to upgrade to
Event Area (Level 3,4,5 only):
Course required:
*I live in:
*Phone: including area code
Fax: including area code
*E-mail:
Comments or other info:

Resources for Mentors

Mentors (Evaluators) are assigned by the BC Athletics Officials Committee. Contact Kathy Terlicher, or fill out the Upgrading Survey to request an evaluation, when you are ready to upgrade to the next level. The assigned mentor will provide coaching (mentoring) and conclude the assignment with an assessment of your knowledge and skills related to the discipline. The mentoring assignment may be performed over one meet, or may be continued, at the discretion of the mentor. The mentor will give the completed evaluation to the official for his/her use in application for upgrading.

Level 2 evaluations will usually be performed by a Level 4 or 5 official. The Provincial Mentoring form may be used, or alternatively, the Mentor may write a letter.

Level 3 (or Provincial List) evaluations will always be performed by a Level 4 or 5 official, preferably one from the NOC Mentors List. The Provincial mentoring form will always be used.

Level 4 or 5 (or National List) Evaluations must be pre-approved by the National Officials Committee. Evaluations for these levels will always be performed by officials on the NOC Mentors List, and the National Mentoring Form will always be used.

Contact for Certification and Upgrading Requests

Kathy Terlicher
3328 Wellington Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5R 4Y2
Phone 604-433-1941
Fax 604-438-2056
kdterlicher@shaw.ca

Forms

BCA Officials Recognition Program 2010

More updates — (and a fresh new recognition item! ) coming along in the spring of 2010.....check back then...In the meantime, keep earning (and recording) those credits!!

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officiating

Officials Code of Ethics

In registering as an Official member of BC Athletics and/or accepting the responsibility of a position at an athletics competition (all disciplines and types) shall from the time of reporting in until the completion of the schedule, including completion of all the required paper work is expected to:

  • Wear the accepted uniform as outlined by the Officials Committee.
  • Refrain from using tobacco products within the competition arena and/or competition area and only in designated areas if such are provided.
  • Refrain from entering the competition area and/or arena under the influence of alcohol.
  • Be fully prepared to do the job assigned to you.
  • Arrive in good time for the competition and report immediately to the official in charge.
  • Draw all the necessary equipment for the running of the event and ensure that it is returned upon completion of the competition.
  • Conduct the event according to the rules with the welfare of the athlete in mind and do the job in an efficient and non-abrasive manner
  • Work in a spirit of co-operation with other officials and do not interfere in any way with their responsibilities.
  • Extend the benefit of your experience to the less experienced officials whenever the opportunity arises.
  • Criticize only in a constructive manner and only at an appropriate time and directly to the official concerned.
  • Give evaluations, when requested, in an objective way and without friendships in mind.
  • Act in a manner that will bring credit to the Athletics Community and yourself, both within and outside the competition arena and/or area.
  • Refrain from the use of profane, insulting, harassing or otherwise offensive language in the conduct of his or her duties.
  • Respect the athletes' dignity; verbal or physical behaviours that constitute harassment or abuse are unacceptable. (Please refer to the BC Athletics Harassment Policy)
  • Never advocate or condone the use of drugs or other banned performance enhancing substances, classes or methods.
  • Never provide under age athletes with alcohol.

Individuals registering as Official members of BC Athletics and/or Officiating in a BC Athletics sanctioned approved activity or competition are advised that by doing so they are agreeing to adhere to this and other policies, rules, regulations, by-laws and constitution of BC Athletics, Athletics Canada and the IAAF.

BC Athletics Harassment Policy

BC Athletics has adopted policies and procedures to ensure a safe and harassment free environment for all its activities, and those of its member organizations. The full document is available from the BC Athletics Association Office. All members, employees and volunteers are responsible for active support of this objective:

  • taking assertive action should they feel that they are being subjected to harassment.
  • fostering an environment free of harassment by attempting to stop incidents of harassment whether there is a complaint or not.

Questions and Answers on Harassment

Q:  What is harassment?
A:  Harassment is any improper behaviour by any person towards another which a person knows or ought to know would be unwelcome. It may include written or verbal abuse or threats, or even unwelcome jokes, remarks or taunts.

Q:  What should I do if I am harassed?
A:  You may make your feelings  known to the person responsible for the behaviour, or contact a BC Athletics Harassment Advisor (see contacts below).

Q:  What if I am a minor?
A:  A minor may be represented at all stages by a responsible Adult.

Q:  What if I am wrongfully accused of harassment?
A:  Wrongful or malicious accusation is itself a form of harassment. You should contact a BC Athletics Harassment Advisor.

Q:  What will a BC Athletics Harassment Advisor do if I complain about harassment?
A:  The Advisor will meet with you, and may attempt to resolve the conflict informally. Other options, such as formal complaint will be discussed with you.

BC Athletics Harassment Advisors:

  • Brian McCalder (604) 333-3552
  • Mary Hinze (604) 536-9293

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Officials Expenses

BC Athletics member officials may claim $.30 per kilometre for solo driving, and $.43 for car-pools.

Some reminders for officials regarding policies on expense claims:

  • claims will only be paid for current BC Athletics members
  • claims must be on the current form
  • claims must be submitted within 30 days (to BCA office, or to the Committee Chair)
  • list specific events (meets) and any members of the car-pool (if claiming the higher rate)
  • do not claim if sharing a ride with a non-official....we do not cover rides shared with coaches, athletes
  • do not claim for meals...eat whatever is provided at the event
  • expenses for travel outside of your local area must be approved by the Committee Chair

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Officials Training Program

The BC Officials Committee provides introductory (Provincial level) training through courses and mentoring. Introductory training is usually completed within 12-18 months, and concludes with certification at Level 2. Training courses are intended for 'Field of Play' officials. Other members, such as Event Organizers, or athletes, may enroll out of interest.

Current Workshops

none at this time

Level 1 Courses

The Level 1 course is a 1-2 hour session. It is generally presented in a classroom setting, but may be 'customized' to meet the needs of a specific group. The course is co-sponsored with a Club or other Community organization, and is free to the participants. Participants are prepared to act as volunteer officials in all branches of Athletics (Track & Field, Road Race, Cross Country, and Race Walk). The content is non-technical and concentrates on:

  • benefits of officials membership
  • expectations (Code of Conduct)
  • Certification system
  • Roles of key officials in Stadium & Non-stadium events
  • Organizational information

Please contact one of the officials in your area for information about participating in a level 1 course or to arrange one for your group:

Vancouver Island Lin Hopkins
Okanagan Alwilda van Ryswyk
Prince George Judy Gaiesky
Lower Mainland Sue Kydd

See contact info above

Level 2 Courses

The Level 2 course is a comprehensive survey of rules & practices for all branches of athletics. This classroom presentation takes 5-6 hours. Completion of Level 1 is a pre-requisite. Candidates who intend to certify only in non-stadium events (Road Race, Cross Country) require only the first section (Running events). Course Registration fee for BCA members is $20+GST / others $25+GST, and includes a copy of the rule book. A practical assignment (passport) is to be completed before certification.

National Level Clinics

National Level Clinics are usually presented at Championship events. Each Clinic is for a specific discipline, and is required for upgrading to Level 4.

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