Most officials will start their officiating career as a volunteer Club Assistant (no formal training required), being informally mentored by a Certified Official in one of many positions:
- Referee
- Starter
- Meet Coordinator/Competitors Steward
- Recorder
- Timer
- Place Judge
- Lap Counter
- Heat Box Steward (Clerk of the Course)
- Announcer
- Track Steward
- Other volunteer roles (runner, water buckets, gatekeeper, hospitality etc.)
Upgrading to Level 1
To begin the process of becoming a Certified Official, applicants must complete the Level 1 Officials Clinic, assist at meets throughout the season and submit the online Level 1 Upgrade Form (preferred method) or the hard copy Level 1 Upgrade Form. Applications to upgrade are due on March 31st of each year. The BCSSA ODC administers upgrades to Level 1.
Upgrading to Level 2
To upgrade to Level 2, applicants must complete the Level 2 Officials Clinic (specific to the position), officiate at meets throughout the season and submit the Level 2 Upgrade form. Applications to upgrade are due on March 31st of each year. The BCSSA ODC administers upgrades to Level 2.
- Online Level 2 Upgrade Form: Referees and Starters
- Online Level 2 Upgrade Form: Meet Coordinator
- Online Level 2 Upgrade Form: Other Officials (preferred method)
- Hard Copy Level 2 Upgrade Form: Other Officials
Upgrading to Level 3
Upgrading to Level 3 is administered by Speed Skating Canada’s Officials Development Committee. Applicants for Level 3 upgrades must complete Speed Skating Canada’s requirements for Level 3 officials. All application forms (hard copy, below) must be submitted to the BCSSA ODC for vetting prior to submission to SSC.
- Level 3a Upgrade Form: Referees and Starters
- Level 3b Upgrade Form: Referees and Starters
- Level 3 Upgrade Form: Competitors Steward
- Level 3 Upgrade Form: Other Officials
Upgrading to Levels 4 and 5
Upgrading to Levels 4 and 5 is administered by the International Skating Union. The positions that may qualify for Levels 4 and 5 include: Referee, Starter and Competitors Steward.
