Officials

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).  The new framework (as at September 2017) is taking over what was formally known as the Junior, Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 courses.  The major change to the Technical Officials framework is that it is now module specific and aligned with the level of athlete being supported on the athlete pathway from learn/explore to development, performance and high performance. 

  • Officials working with entry level participants in a club surf sport environment (recreationally or competitively). Participants will generally be non-bronze proficient.

  • 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 environment. Officiating roles may include:

    • Marshall

    • Starter

    • Check Starter

    • Recorder

    • Timekeeper

    • Finish Judge

  • Officials who choose to fulfil 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. 

    The Core and Technical Official Online Modules are now live, via the Members Area.  Login to the Members Portal, Go to the "Courses" section and Login to ELearning.

    1. Complete the ASC Online Introductory Level to Officiating General Principles

    2. Complete the Technical Official Online Module via the Members Portal, eLearning

    3. Complete the Discipline Specific Online Module

    4. Attend a Discipline Specific Practical Workshop (state/national) and complete assessment

    5. Gain Accreditation

    Officials monitor races and competitions to ensure that the rules are being followed. The officiating pathway follows a similar tiered structure to coaching:

    • Junior Official

    • Level 1 Official

    • Level 2 Official

    • Level 3 Official

    Surf Life Saving SA is proud to support beginner officials through our involvement in the Coloured Shirt Program and will run Level 1 courses throughout the season.

  • How to become an official

    This guide will take you through the steps required to become either a Core Official or Technical Official

    Please note: you do NOT need to undertake a Core Officials course PRIOR to undertaking a Technical Officials course. SLSSA recommends undertaking the TECHNICAL officials course for most candidates as it allows greater flexibility for roles/carnivals.

    NEW OFFICIALS FACE TO FACE WORKSHOPS - 2023-24 dates