Officials Information

Officials Information

Officials Levels

WORLD ATHLETICS REFEREE AND EDUCATION SYSTEM
Introducing the World Athletics Referee and Education System (WARECS) – a training program that helps develop skilled Technical Officials for all levels of athletics competitions. WARECS aims to create consistency in officiating, improve important officiating skills, and teach participants the key World Athletics Competition and Technical Rules. The program focuses on practical learning, encourages ethical behaviour and helps participants understand the rules in depth, ensuring fair and high-quality officiating across the globe.
 Benefits of Officiating Include:
  • The opportunity to remain involved in athletics if a person is unable to compete
  • An opportunity to socialise with like-minded individuals
  • The ability to be involved in and give back to a community focused organisation 
  • Assist athletes in performing at their best and achieving their goals and dreams
  • The opportunity to officiate at National Athletics Events and Championships
  • The ability to progress to International competition such as the Olympic Games for those with greater ambitions 

Officiating Athletics competitions is flexible and fun. Officials can attend as many or as few events based on their circumstances. Even if you are able to come to one or two events per year or help out once a month, there is an opportunity for you to be a part of the officiating community. Contact: events@athleticsnorthqld.org.au for more information 

Nominations Open
NQ Games – Mackay – Nominate Here 
Festival of Athletics – Nominate Here  

NQ Championships – Nominate Here

 

Officials Qualifications

Course Overview

This is an introduction to officiating at a basic level. This course is not accredited. It is suitable for parents, club officials and teachers or anyone who does not require an accreditation but who wishes to learn the basics of officiating.

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National Athletics Referee

The National Athletics Referee (NAR) program is the first step for those looking to become qualified athletics officials. This course is a mix of online learning and hands-on practice, designed to help participants develop the skills needed to officiate at local, regional, national, and, on occasion, international competitions within their country.

The course includes 14 online modules, an online assessment, the Safeguarding Essentials course and practical experience on the field. It aims to build strong basic officiating skills, help participants understand what it takes to be a good Technical Official, and introduces key competition and technical rules from World Athletics. A big focus is placed on understanding and applying these rules in real situations, all while promoting the importance of ethical and fair officiating.

The National Athletics Referee is organised by Area Associations and Member Federations. However, for individuals who access and complete the online modules independently, they have the option to contact their Member Federation to arrange their practical experience.

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World Athletics Bronze Referee

The Bronze Level Athletics Referee program helps experienced National Athletics Referees advance to become World Athletics (WA) Referees. Candidates need at least 3 years of experience as a National Athletics Referee and must be at least 19 years old. To qualify, they complete online education and an evaluation, available in multiple languages. Once qualified, they gain experience by working in relevant roles within agreed competitions.

Once certified, Bronze-level Referees hold their status for life, unless removed for misconduct or poor performance. They can also serve as Technical Delegates in certain international events and continue receiving education and evaluations from World Athletics and their Area Association.

The Bronze Level Athletics Referee program is organised by World Athletics with support from Area Associations and Member Federations.

World Athletics Silver Referee

The Silver Level Athletics Referee program is for Bronze-level World Athletics Referees who have at least 4 years of experience and are at least 23 years old. To move up to this level, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in managing events, handling protests, and explaining decisions. The evaluation has two parts, conducted online every two years in English, French, or Spanish, by World Athletics and the Areas.

Silver-level Referees keep their qualification for eight years, subject to ongoing evaluations. They can also serve as Technical Delegates at international events and are expected to maintain a high level of technical knowledge and participate in designated courses and educational initiatives. 

The Silver Level Athletics Referee program is organised by World Athletics with support from Area Associations and Member Federations.

World Athletics Gold Referee

The Gold Level Athletics Referee is the highest rank in athletics officiating. To reach this level, candidates must have at least 4 years of experience as a Silver-level World Athletics Referee and be at least 27 years old. Every two years, each Area can nominate up to eight officials for evaluation. To progress to Gold level, referees need to show outstanding skills in managing events, handling protests, and clearly explaining decisions in English.

The evaluation has two parts: an online exam in English, French, or Spanish, and a presentation in English only. Achieving Gold level reflects top-level competence and expertise in athletics officiating.

The Gold Level Athletics Referee program is organised by World Athletics with support from Area Associations and Member Federations.