Yamba Surf
Lifesaving Club
Surf Sports Officials
Behind every great surf carnival is a dedicated team of officials making it happen. The success, fairness and safety of any surf sports event relies on the standard of officiating.
Surf Life Saving Australia’s Technical Officials are highly respected for their commitment to one of the most demanding and rewarding areas of surf lifesaving. These volunteers ensure events run smoothly, rules are applied consistently, and competitors can perform at their best in a safe and fair environment.
High-quality officiating directly impacts:
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The integrity and fairness of competition
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The safety of athletes and officials
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The overall experience for competitors and spectators
Technical Officials represent one of the largest and most important volunteer groups within Surf Life Saving. Their contribution is vital at every level — from branch carnivals through to NSW and Australian Championship events.
At Championship events, clubs must meet a required ratio of competitors to accredited officials in order for athletes to compete. This means our officials are not only supporting events — they are enabling our competitors to participate.
We are always looking to grow our pathways for Officials, Athletes and Members. If you are interested in becoming a Surf Sports Official and playing a key role in delivering safe, fair and professional competition, we encourage you to get in touch with our Surf Sports Director- Jim Dougherty: jimdou@bigpond.net.au
There is a place for everyone in surf lifesaving — and officiating is a rewarding way to be part of the action.
How to become an official
Online courses are available year-round through the SLSA Members Portal for anyone wishing to gain accreditation.
There are costs associated with these courses, which must be paid upfront. We encourage members to speak with the club regarding potential reimbursement.
Surf Life Saving NSW members who work directly with children under the age of 18 must complete a Working With Children Check (WWCC), unless their role is exempt under legislation.
Completed WWCC details must be provided to the club for verification.
In addition, the SLSNSW Board requires all officials to complete SLSA’s online Child Safe Awareness Course.
These requirements ensure we continue to provide a safe, supportive and professional environment for all young participants in surf sport.
Official Accreditation Pathway
Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) Surf Sports Officials training operates under the National Officiating Accreditation Scheme (NOAS). Managed by the Australian Surf Sports Commission, this nationally recognised framework ensures our surf sports officials are trained to a consistent and professional standard. There are two accreditation levels available under the NOAS pathway.
LSA Core Official
Core Officials work with entry-level participants in a club surf sports environment, either recreationally or competitively. These participants are generally non-bronze proficient.
A Core Official may officiate at Branch and State Carnivals in roles such as:
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Judge
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Timekeeper
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Marshall
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Recorder
This is an excellent starting point for members wanting to get involved in officiating.
SLSA Technical Official
Technical Officials undertake more specialised officiating roles and work with competitors who may be non-bronze proficient, Surf Rescue Certificate qualified, or Bronze Medallion proficient, actively competing at club, branch or state level.
Technical Official roles may include:
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Marshall
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Starter
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Check Starter
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Recorder
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Timekeeper
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Finish Judge
This qualification is strongly recommended for those wanting to play a key role in surf sports competition delivery.