BC Athletics - Track and Field, Road Running, Cross Country, Race Walking, Marathons, Ultras in British Columbia, Canada

General

Officials are an important part of the BC Athletics membership. As a volunteer group, officials are responsible for judging the various events within the divisions of athletics. For track & field, officials can be divided into four main groups: field judges, track judges, timekeepers and starters. Within cross country, road running and ultra, officials act as start coordinators/assistants, starters, finish judges, time keepers and recorders. BC Athletics officials play a pivotal role in maintaining the rules of play in all athletics events.

BC Athletics officials are certified through the National Officials Committee from levels 1 t o 5, with level 1-3 being provincial level officials and levels 4-5 being national level officials. Under the U18 program members can become officials as young as 13.

Latest News

Online Officials Certification

Seeking Volunteers to Pilot Levels 1 and 2 Modules

Officials Certification - Online Development Program Pilot Information Package

The on-line training and development program for New Officials is now here. We are looking for volunteers to help with 3 pilots to provide feedback respecting the on-line modules before wider release:

Pilot 1— 4 to 6 volunteers with no track and field experience. You will participate in the pilot of the Level 1 module covering the basic operations of track and field events;

Pilot 2— 3 to 5 volunteers who have some track and field experience as an athlete, coach, etc. but not a current official. You will participate in the pilot of the Level 2 module. This module covers what officials do in officiating a track and field competition; and

Pilot 3—3 to 5 volunteers who are currently a Level 1 official and looking to upgrade to Level 2. You will participate in testing the same Level 2 module as those under Pilot 2.

All three pilots will be conducted the week of July 20 and will involve reviewing the corresponding online module and completing an evaluation on your understanding of the material presented. You can complete the pilot on your own time—all at once or split across several sessions. As the modules are on-line, you can view the modules wherever you have internet access.

It is estimated to take 1 hour to complete the pilot of the Level 1 module and 2 hours for the Level 2 module.

TO REGISTER To Take the Online Pilot Course: Please reply to Marilyn Benz - m.benz@shaw.ca with your name, phone number and email on or before Monday, July 13. Volunteers will be selected and contacted by July 17.

This is a very exciting opportunity to help roll out our on-line training and development program for New Officials. Information on the results of the pilot and next steps in rolling out the training and development program for New Officials will be provided in this newsletter and on the BC Athletics website.

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Officials' Newsletter August 3, 2020

If you don't receive the BCA Official's Newsletter by e-mail, you may wish to contact Carol Cull (Carolcull@telus.net) with your current e-mail address. Contact information goes out of date very quickly.

National Officials Committee Webinars (2020)

Purpose: Athletics Canada and the National Officials Committee (NOC) are sponsoring a series of educational webinars--a great opportunity to become more familiar with some of the disciplines that may be less familiar to us or a wonderful chance to prepare for the rapidly approaching opening of our sport again.

Registration: Signing up is very simple. It is on Trackie and it’s free. Most of the sessions will be later in the day (7 pm Eastern) but check the time on Trackie to confirm.

Schedule:

The 2020 Spring-Summer schedule of webinars is now complete. Further webinars are planned for late summer or early Fall, 2020. Links to recordings of the 2020 Spring-Summer webinars will be posted here as soon as the recordings are available.

More information can be found here.

Sport BC Presidents' Award - Athletics

Peter Fejfar – 2020 Presidents' Award

For more than 45 years Peter Fejfar has volunteered his time as an Athletics Official for Track & Field, Road and Cross Country Running Events. A Level 5 National and International Technical Official, Instructor and Mentor, Peter has also been a valued member of the BC Athletics Facilities Cttee and involved in reviewing the planning, building and upgrading of Track & Field facilities in British Columbia. A BC Athletics Hall of Fame member, it is an honour to recognize Peter Fejfar as the recipient of the 2020 Sport BC President’s Award for Athletics.

About the Sport BC Presidents' Award

Founded in 1994, Sport BC’s Annual Presidents’ Awards promote and celebrate the spirit of volunteerism by giving member organizations an opportunity to acknowledge and thank an individual who has demonstrated outstanding dedication and commitment to their sport. See complete list of 2020 Recipients at Sport BC Presidents' Awards.

Mentorship Program - those interested in becoming mentors under the new NOC Mentorship Program should complete the self-assessment checklist under the Annual Officials Meeting section of "Newsletters & Meetings" tab. More information will be provided at the Annual Officials Meeting.

Reminder to renew your BC Athletics memberships for 2020.

Unattached members renew online

Members with affiliated clubs should join up through their club.

Reminder to consider upgrading your level and/or adding a new discipline. See the Upgrading and Certification tab for more information

NOC approved "N" and "NC" meets for 2020

Sport Injury / Accident Report Form

Official's Code of Conduct Booklet (2018)

2020 World Athletics Book of Rules (Nov 1/19)

2018/2019 IAAF Rule Book (Nov 1/17) -- ERRATA (Apr 7/18)

2020 Meet Schedule - UPDATED 3/8/20

Six things you can do to build officiating in BC

Number 1

Help recognize our (most) outstanding officials.

Follow the link to our BCA Officials Awards Nomination Form. Nominate a member official who has done a super job of supporting our competitions and our athletes. There are awards for long-serving officials, and for novice officials as well. Awards will be presented at the BCA Annual Awards banquet. You could also ensure that your Club recognizes its own member officials for their contributions; for instance at your Awards ceremony or Annual meeting.

Number 2

Build up your certification.

Have you completed requirements for the next officials’ certification level?

Find out what you need to do to upgrade OR Complete the Upgrading Tracking Survey Form to let us know your plans for the next season.

Number 3.

Participate in the BCA Officials Annual general meeting, and keep in touch with developments in officiating, and officials from around the Province.

Number 4

Bring a friend.

BC has the largest group of Athletics officials in the Canada. One of the key elements that continues to bring us success is a strong network built on friendship. Most of our officials have been brought in by friends or relatives. It’s all about relationships. Do you know someone who would fit in? Bring a friend to a meet to work with you, or to the AGM. Everyone counts.

Number 5

Sponsor an Introductory workshop. We have a Province-wide network of Level 1 trainers. Does your Community or Club have a group of people that would like to get started in a rewarding and exciting volunteer role as a field of play official? Get in touch with the Officials Development Coordinator in your Region and ask about sponsoring a workshop. It’s painless, and it’s free.

Number 6.

Renew your membership January 1st each year!

All volunteer field of play officials are req uired to have a BCA membership. First time BC Athletics members applying for membership after August 31st will receive an extended membership valid from the application date through to the end of the following year.

Club Members.....contact your Club Registrar

Unattached officials....... Renew your membership online

In either case, please ensure that your membership application includes the officials designation, in addition to your registration in any other category (Coach, Athlete, Club Administrator).

David Weicker

Officiating in a Call Room - Register

BCA Officials Committee

Chair: Brian Thomson

Board Representative: Jasmine Gill

Provincial Coordinators:

Upgrading Coordinator: Cheryl Elke

Determines upgrading needs (credits and evaluations) for officials, and works with Assignments Coordinator to ensure assignments support officials development needs.

Maintains a Provincial Officials Directory
Processes upgrading applications
Distributes certificates, letters etc. relating to upgrading
Orders and distributes officials name badges
Produces Travel/Mentoring priority list.

Assignments Coordinator: Carol Cull

Selects officials for higher level events (Championships, Games and International level events).

Supports officials managers for other events
approves travel between zones
recommends officials for out of province assignments

Name			Term expires
Bill Koch			2021
Carol Cull			2021
John Cull			2021
Marilyn Benz			2020
Wayne Elke			2021
Sue Kydd			2020
Brian Thomson			2021
Anthony Thomson			2020
Cheryl Elke			2020
Jim Rollins			2020

BC Branch Officials Committee (BOC) Handbook April 2017

BCA Officials Committee - Recruitment Training Retention Programs - Ver 1

The 2020 Committee Meeting schedule:

Sunday, February 2 - Surrey - 9:30am - 1:45pm
March - to be determined
Sunday, September 13 - location to be determined - 9:30am - 1:45pm
Saturday, October 18 - 2020 BC Branch Officials Annual Officials Meeting. BC Athletics office, Burnaby - 9:30am - 2:00pm
Saturday, November 14 - BC Athletics office, Burnaby - 9:30am - 2:15pm

Regional Development Coordinators

Name	Region	Email	Phone
John & Carol Cull	Lower Mainland (Zones 3,4,5)	johncull at telus.net	(604) 599-6638
Vince Sequeira - ON LEAVE	Vancouver Island (Zone 6)
Todd Blumel	Vancouver Island (one 6)	toddler at shaw.ca
Alwilda van Ryswyk	Okanagan/Kootenays (Zones 1,2)	alvan50 at shaw.ca	(250) 372-9640
Greg Nicol	Okanagan/Kootenays (Zones 1,2)	gregorylnicol136 at gmail.com	(250) 372-7888
Rob Milar	Northern BC (Zones 7,8)	millarob at hotmail.com	(778) 349-9437

Officials Expense Claims

Member officials are entitled to repayment of authorized expenses for travel to events, and for "expendables" (meet supplies). Expenses for local travel require no specific authorization.. Expenses for “out-of-Region travel are only eligible if given prior approval by the Officials Committee. Officials must work at the event for a substantial period (at least 4-6 hours) to be eligible for repayment. Officials cannot claim travel expenses for meets in which they also intend to coach, parent and/or compete. Carpooling or sharing rides is strongly encouraged where feasible. A rationale for travelling as an individual must be provided (if other officials are travelling to the same meet).

Reimbursement rates:

Local travel $.30 per kilometer, $.40 for a carpool

To another Region $.20 per kilometer, $.25 for a carpool

Guidelines are posted in the Committee Handbook. Some general rules for claiming expenses:

claims will only be paid for current BC Athletics members
claims must be on the printable form (pdf) or the Download fillable form
claims must be submitted within 30 days to John Cull for approval
receipts must be submitted
list specific events (meets) and any members of the car-pool
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 on behalf of the Officials Committee.

Officials funded by BCA for travel outside the Province are eligible for repayment of cost of the air travel (or equivalent cost) only.

Filling out the forms

Printable Form (PDF)

Print the form
Fill in the following sections(blue) by hand:
- Personal information and address
- Date and name of the event
- Departure point (or indicate “home” if departing from your home address)
- Location of the event (or name of stadium)
- Total Kilometers
- Ferry, tolls

The rest, (gst applicable rate etc.) will be filled in by the Officials Committee

Attach receipts if claiming for ferry fares or tolls

Scan and e-mail, or post to John Cull with attachments or mail to John Cull, Expense Claim, 12691 55A Ave., Surrey, BC V3X 1W1)

Fill-in form (Excel)

Download and save the form to your computer

Open the form in Excel or compatible program
Fill in the following sections (blue) :
- Personal information and address
- Date and name of the event
- Departure point (or indicate “home” if departing from your home address)
- Location of the event (or name of stadium)
- Total Kilometers
- Ferry, tolls

The rest, (gst applicable rate etc.) will be filled in by the Officials Committee

Save the file and name it - Your Last Name, First Name - amount of claim - ie; Doe, Jane - $74.50
Send the file with scans of receipts by e-mail as attachments to John Cull

Forms

Protest Form 2020
Workshop Request Form
2019 Officials Awards Nomination Form Deadline September 31, 2019
BC Athletics Officials Travel Report Form updated Jan 30/13
Official's Meet Expense Claim Form (pdf) updated 3/1/18
Official's Meet Expense Claim Form (download and computer complete) updated 3/1/18
Travel Grant Program Application UPD 10/12/18
Officials Meet Record Form UPD 5/20
Event Feedback
Event Feedback (Online Form)
Level 1,2,3 Upgrade
Level 4,5 Upgrade
Provincial Mentoring form
National Mentoring Form - contact NOC for current form
Workshop Procedure & Registration Form Updated 30-Apr-18
Recognition Award Claim Form

Newsletter & Meetings

Newsletters:

BCA Officials Committee Meeting Minutes ( See "MEETING MINUTES" tab)

Officials Annual Meetings:

October 19, 2019

a. 2019 Agenda - version 2

b. 2019 Officials Committee Annual Report

c. Mentoring Self-Assessment checklist

d. 2019 Annual Officials Meeting Handout Package

e. Special Presentation - Responding to Interpersonal Conflict as an Athletics Official

October 22, 2016

National Officials Committee Minutes:

National Officials Committee Newsletters

Upgrading and Certification

Officials are welcomed, and encouraged, to participate in the upgrading process. The program consists of 5 separate levels, with specific requirements for each. National Officials Committee Upgrading Criteria (updated April 2013).

Core Competencies for Officials

Press here for a description of the knowlege, skills and abilities expectations for each of the 5 levels of officials

Levels 1 - 3 (provincial)

applications are processed by BC Athletics Officials Committee
applications can be submitted at any time

Levels 4 - 5 (national)

upgrading decisions made by National Officials Committee
application deadlines: Mar 15 and Sept 15 of each year

U-18 Officials Program

BCA offers an officials training and certification program for girls and boys between the ages of 13 and 17.

Upgrading Process

The following outlines the process of upgrading from one level to the next. Please follow carefully to ensure your application proceeds smoothly.

If you wish to upgrade this year, please complete the Upgrading Tracking Form
You will then be contacted to discuss arrangements for obtaining required courses, credits or evaluations
Complete all necessary requirements listed below.
Prepare and submit information confirming upgrading requirements have been met (see contact information noted at bottom of page):

a. Level 1 - scan a copy of your Officials Meet Record Card or passport page. Submit to Cheryl Elke.

b. Level 2 - scan the pages listed in your passport (page 11). Submit to Cheryl Elke.

c. Level 3 - download and complete the Level 3 Upgrade form. Submit along with copies of your Officials Meet Record Card and evaluations to Cheryl Elke.

d. Level 4 or 5 - download and complete the Level 4, 5 Upgrade form. Submit along with copies of your Officials Meet Record Card and evaluations to Cheryl Elke.

Requirements for Provincial Levels

Provisional	Official who has taken a Level 1 training course
Level 1	Level 1 Workshop 6 officiating credits - preferably in more than one discipline (24 hours work in any athletics discipline). BCA/AC Membership
Level 2	Community level official certified for all events 12 credits with minimum of 4 credits in track and 4 credits in field disciplines. Level 2 workshop Completion of 4 task lists in Passport to Level2 Official. Your Passport is provided by your Level 1 and/or Level 2 Workshop Instructor Evaluation in a track discipline Evaluation in a field discipline
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.

Officials’ Travel Subsidy Program

Subsidies are available for level 1 or 2 officials residing in smaller communities to travel to competitions for purposes of gaining experience, mentorship or evaluations. More information can be found under the section on Benefits, Recognition and Expenses.

Contact for Certification and Upgrading Requests

Cheryl Elke
2397 Fleetwood Ave., Kamloops, BC V2B 4S8
Phone 250-554-4240
wcelke@shaw.ca

Benefits, Recognition

Officials Honour Roll - click here

Meet Credits

Benefits and recognition items and activities for officials is based on participation at meets. Officials earn credits for each meet they participate in which in turn qualifies them for various benefits and recognition items.

The Officials Committee approves (reviews) members’ claims for meet credits. Only officiating at sanctioned track and field events count for meet credits. Sanctioning can be from BC Athletics or equivalent organizations in other jurisdictions. Unsanctioned meets do not count for upgrading, recognition item or travel reimbursement (e.g., Special Olympics, some elementary school events). Sanctioning ensures insurance coverage along with a minimum standard for meet organization, competition and officiating requirements. Workshops do not count as meet credits for upgrading, recognition item or travel reimbursement purposes.

BCA Officials Recognition Program 2019

The 2019 Recognition Program is supported by BC Athletics and by individual donors. We wish to recognize the dedication and many volunteer hours of our BC Athletics member officials.

All officials who:

Are current members of BC Athletics
Have Level 1 or above certification
Have earned a minimum of 15 credits

Are eligible to receive this year’s recognition items

The fabulous items for 2019 is a choice between a Relaxus cooling Towel for those hot summer days, or a BC Athletics Official Toque for those cool spring days.

For all eligible officials

All officials who obtain 15 or more credits between September 1, 2018 and August 31. 2019 are eligible for the 2019 Official recognition Item. Please submit your application by September 1, 2019. Submit your claim to Sue Kydd, following the instructions on the Order form 2019 Recognition Item.

For new Level 2 eligible Officials (upgraded to Level 2 in 2019) only

Officials who upgrade to Level 2 are eligible to receive a BCA Officials name tag. If you have not received your name tag, contact Cheryl Elke

Officials’ Travel Subsidy Program

This program is for level 1 or 2 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 $200 subsidy per official, for up to five officials, 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.

Officials Guides and Handbooks

If this page isn't automatically redirect, click here for more information.

CLINIC/WORKSHOP REGISTRATION

National Clinics for Officials

These free clinics are required for upgrading to Level 4.

Who should participate:

any official intending to upgrade to Level 4 in the discipline within 5 years
any official Level 4 or above in the discipline who has not participated in a Clinic in the last 5 years

Other officials who are Level 3+ in any discipline may also participate.

Register for National Clinics with John Cull johncull@telus.net

2020 Officials Workshops

The "Registration & Info" link will take you directly to the registration form

Date / Time	Registration Form Links:	Location	Instructor(s)
April 18, 2020 POSTPONED - NEW DATE TBA	Level 1	Abbotsford Jane & Gerry Swan Track - Rotary Stadium	John & Carol Cull
April18, 2020 TENTATIVE DECISION TO BE MADE 3/26/20 11:00 - 1:30 NEW TIMES!	Electronic Distance Measuring	Abbotsford Jane & Gerry Swan Track - Rotary Stadium	Wayne Elke
April 30, 2020 - POSTPONED 2:00pm - 3:30pm	Level 1	Kelowna Apple Bowl	Marilyn Benz
May 9, 2020 8:30am - 10:00am	Level 1	Maple Ridge - Maple Ridge Secondary School	John and Carol Cull
June 13, 2020 8:30am - 10:00am	Level 1	Coquitlam Percy Perry Stadium	John & Carol Cull

Resources for Mentors

Mentors (Evaluators) are assigned by the BC Athletics Officials Committee. Contact Cheryl Elke 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 (NOC). Evaluations for these levels will always be performed by officials on the NOC Mentors List, and the National Mentoring Form will always be used.

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.

Official's Training and Support

Quick Guides - see OFFICIALS GUIDES AND HANDBOOKS TAB

Official's Code of Conduct (2018)

NEW ** Protest Form 2020

Recruitment, Recognition and Retention of Volunteers

All members are encouraged to read about best practices for Recruitment, Recognition and Retention of Volunteers.

Expectations for officials working with volunteers

Current Workshops are listed under the "Clinic/Workshop Registration" tab

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 John Cull for further information about either participating or arranging a Level 1 course in your area.

Level 2 Courses

The Level 2 course is a 5 - 6 hour workshop and is required for advancement to Level 2 in the Athletics Canada National Officials Certification program. Rules and best practices for all branches of Athletics are covered in a lecture/discussion format. It is conducted entirely in the classfoom, and there will be some paperwork. The Registration fee covers costs of handouts, and a current IAAF Rulebook. Registration fees for BCA members is $25+GST / others $30+GST.

Contact John Cull for information about Level 2 workshops in your Region

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.

Officials Technical Info

If this page isn't automatically redirect, click here for more information.

Links

BCA Events & Technical Specifications
BCA Calendar of Events
BCA Officials Committee Minutes
BCA Officials' Honour Roll
BCA Officials' Ethics and Guidelines
Official's Decorum - reminders of the behavioral duties and conduct officials need to be aware of when officiating
Spectator Code of Conduct - BC Athletics' expectations for spectator conduct in supporting the values of the organization and encourging the development of all athletes.
NOC Web Page
Donated to:The BC Athletics Officials Development Fund In Memory of Jackie Barrington:BC Athletics Officials Development Fund Donor Form

BC Athletics Officials Development Fund

The BC Athletics Officials Development Fund, established through the National Sport Trust Fund, was set up to allow for tax receiptable donations to be made for the Recruitment, Training and Retention of Volunteer Athletics/Track & Field and Off-track Officials.

Tax Receipts are issued for donations of $20.00 or more.

Individuals, Families, Clubs, Organizations, Societies and Corporations can made a donation by connecting to the: