The officials program stresses the integration of theory with practice at all levels. It is essential that officials have officiating skills that will match the competitors‟ performance levels. Competitors have the right to expect that officials have a high level of expertise so that results reflect the athletes‟ ability and skills without being compromised by the incompetence of race officials or “luck”.
The following are the basic criteria for certification of the four levels of alpine under the National Alpine Officials program.
Level 1:
This is the entry-level course that prepares new officials for club and Zone races in positions. It is an introduction to race organization and the various positions with particular emphasis on timekeeping and gate judging. There are no course pre-requisites or required experience. Course attendance automatically qualifies the participant as Level 1 Alpine Official. Parents find this course an excellent introduction to race officiating that gives them an insight into the racing program as a whole.
Course Description:
Time required: 3 hours or less
Pre-requisites: None
Exam: None
Level 2:
This level is the second of three officials’ courses and is designed for those who have already taken the Level 1 course and have then obtained the necessary practical experience to qualify for Level 2.
Level 2 has been designed as a detailed introduction to the methodology of alpine ski racing, the types of races, rules, points systems as well as preparing officials for the managerial positions of chief of gates judges, chief of course, chief of race, start referee, finish referee and referee (coaches). It is a fairly intensive course and does not cover in any detail the material presented in Level 1.
The objectives of the course are to develop officials capable of functioning at a carded-level race and to provide a base of experience and knowledge to course participants to allow them to assume greater responsibilities at higher-level races.
Level II officials are qualified for several Chief and Jury positions.
Course Description:
Length: Up to 8 hours including a 1 hour exam in one day or two evenings.
Pre-requisites: Level I certification and a minimum of eight days officiating experience in at least 3 different positions from 2 different categories listed in the table (below).
Exam: 1 hour – multiple choice, T/F, and short answers. Open book.
Level 3:
This level further prepares officials for all chief positions and for minimum-entry qualifications for the Technical Delegate (TD) Program. It is designed for those officials who have obtained Level 2 and since then have gained specific practical experience as covered in the Alpine Officials’ Certification Program. It is an interactive course in which the major emphasis will be discussion and exchange of ideas, opinions and race experiences by the participants. An examination of the course outline will show the variety and depth of the material covered.
The level requires the official to gain all necessary knowledge (experience not included) to manage races at the national or FIS level. The course directs the participant to use the FIS ICR Book and apply the rules and their interpretation in precise circumstances. This level develops the volunteer’s judgment and leadership skills in concrete situations.
Course Description:
Time required: About 12 hours. Generally given on a weekend but can be given over 4 evenings.
Pre-requisites: Level II certification and practical experience since obtaining Level 2 as follows:
(a) Chief of Race at a K1 or higher level event;
(b) One of the following positions: Chief of Course; Chief of Timing and Calculation; Chief of Gate Judges; Chief of Administration (Race Secretary)
(c) Two assignments as voting/non-voting jury member (other than Chief of Race);
(d) An assignment as an official at a FIS level event in a position listed in the table that is different than (a)-(c)
It is only open to those who have the necessary pre-requisites as detailed above or are identified as being very close to having the necessary practical. Participants must be recommended by the PSO Officials Chair.
Exam: 2 hour open book exam
Level 4:
This level is for those officials who have gained further experience at national or international level races and who have demonstrated superior knowledge and ability as an official. The provincial alpine associations’ officials’ chair must recommend the Level 4 nominee to the national Officials’ Committee.
Coaches:
All Canadian Ski Coaches’ Federation (CSCF) Level 1 and higher can attend the Level 2 officials’ course without any other criteria of eligibility.
Prerequisite for referee – Level 2 CSCF and Level 2 official certification.
All Level 3 or 4 CSCF coaches can attend a Level 3 officials’ course without criteria of eligibility.
Officials’ requirements to maintain certification
Upon qualification, the initial period of certification and practical requirements to maintain certification for each officials’ level is as follows:
Level 1 Three years Activity as an official
Level 2 Three years Work a minimum four race days in a three-year period and an officials’ update every two years.
Level 3 Two years Work a minimum of four- race days a year and an officials’ update every two years.
Level 4 Two years Work four days a year as a TD or chief level or to the satisfaction of the officials’ chair. Attend an officials’ update every two years.
