Pathways to Becoming an Official
General Info
For more information about each pathway, please visit the menu at the left-hand side of the page!
Overview
All athletics officials in Canada follow a certification program for development from beginner to expert. The program comprises five certification levels representing different levels of skills, experience and responsibility—the first two focusing on becoming an official familiar with all areas of officiating. The later three focus on specialization in specific areas. An illustration of the certification program can be found here
Becoming an Official
BC Athletics members are invited to join the B.C. Officials Class of 2023 program. Registration is now open. The program includes the first two levels of the officials’ certification program. The pathways to these levels are listed and described in detail below.
- Pathway to Level 1—for those who have not had exposure to the world of athletics and looking for a quick and easy way to try officiating. Those with prior experience in athletics (e.g., coach, athlete, parent) may proceed directly to the Pathway to Level 2. Information and Registration
- Pathway to Level 2—provides the base line officiating knowledge and skills in the major events so you can participate in officiating teams and make some officiating decisions under supervision of an experienced official. Information and Registration
Timeline
Enclosed is a timeline for completing the pathway to levels 1 and 2. Timeframes will vary depending on the availability and access to meets for completing the experience component.
Advance as an Official
Officials who have achieved a minimum of Level 2 certification may specialize in specific areas, called disciplines, and progress to levels 3 and higher in the certification program. An illustration of the certification program can be found here
Information on the various disciplines available for officials to pursue (e.g., starter, vertical jumps judge) and the advancement requirements can be found in the National Officials Committee Upgrading Criteria document available on the Upgrading and Certification tab.
Upgrading and Certification
Officials interested in upgrading to Levels 3 to 5 should complete the Upgrading Tracking Form on the Upgrading and Certification tab of this website. Questions should be forwarded to the B.C. Provincial Upgrading Coordinator listed under the Officials Committee tab.Upgrading Tracking Form
U-18 Officials Program
BC Athletics offers an officials training and certification program for girls and boys between the ages of 13 and 17. The U-18 Officials Program is scheduled for revision and enhancements. Contact your Regional Development Coordinator for current information on this program.
Officials’ Travel Subsidy Program
This program is for officials who reside in smaller communities where there is not the benefit of local competitions or where there are few mentors available to guide and evaluate their progress. The program offers a subsidy per official for purposes of assisting them travel to meets to gain experience, mentorship or evaluations to upgrade to the next level. Further information about the Travel Subsidy Program and the application form can be found here.
Contact for Certification and Upgrading Requests
Once you have completed your requirements for upgrading to a new certification (levels 3 to 5), submit your application and supporting materials to Cheryl Elke using the forms available in the Upgrading section of the Forms page. For level 3, use this form; for levels 4-5, use this form. Applications are due March 15 and September 15 of each year.
For level 2, please work with your Mentor to ensure the materials are submitted to the Provincial Mentor Coordinator.
Cheryl Elke 2397 Fleetwood Ave., Kamloops, BC V2B 4S8 Phone 250-554-4240 wcelke@shaw.ca
