Officials in Focus: Umpires

Umpiring is a great way for an individual to be involved in the sport of sailing. Umpires play an important role as the on-water arbiters of the sport and ensure adherence with the intricacies and interpretations associated with the Racing Rules of Sailing.
 

The on-water Umpire closely observes boats that are Fleet, Teams or Match racing and accurately issues prompt judgement calls and signals pertaining to weather competitors have broken the rules. Qualified Umpires can be used for Fleet championship medal races but are essential to conducting quality Teams or Match racing events.
 

For Clubs and Classes that have an interest in Teams or Match Racing, or umpired Fleet Racing, there are many benefits to promoting the Australian Sailing Umpire training and becoming accredited:

• Clubs and classes can be assured knowing that by using Australian Sailing accredited officials the required levels of competency and high-quality service delivery in umpiring are being provided.
• Qualified Umpires can be used to provide education to sailing members regarding the rules for Fleet, Teams and Match Racing.
• Training your developing Umpires equips them with the knowledge to maintain levels of consistency, fairness & safety in the delivery of their role.
• Developing ‘ín-house’ officials (avoiding costly outsourcing of officials) reduces the costs of running Teams and Match Racing.
• With accredited officials on board, stakeholders will know that the Club meets racing requirements and has a good reputation for service delivery in officiating, and this will help gain hosting rights for race events.
• Providing a variety in race events (hence a good race environment) will lead to retention of volunteer officials.
   

From an official perspective, Australian Sailing qualified Umpires can leverage the below benefits:

• Being recognised within the sport through Australian Sailing training and certification.
• Being listed on the Australian Sailing website’s Officials Finder (useful for obtaining race appointments).
• Working in an outdoor environment and playing a key role in conducting Teams and Match Racing.

The Australian Sailing Umpire courses provide a structured approach to learning the technical facets of the Teams Racing or Match Racing game, correct boat positioning techniques and communications with Officials and competitors. The Umpire Seminar is aimed at educating Australian Sailing members to conduct consistent and fair Teams or Match racing.

Australian Sailing recommends those interested in becoming an Umpire should at least have a basic understanding of racing formats such as Match Racing and Team Racing and the applicable sections of the Racing Rules of Sailing specific to these disciplines.

There are three progressive courses within the Australian Sailing Umpire Program. Click on any of the courses below to find one near you. If you are unable to locate a course near you please contact your Club Services Officer for further information.