Most officials will start their officiating career as a club volunteer (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, and other volunteer roles (runner, water buckets, gatekeeper, hospitality etc.).
Officials Clinics
Clubs or other groups interested in having a local Officials Clinic should contact the BCSSA Officials Development Committee. Upcoming clinics are posted on the BCSSA Calendar of Events:
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. 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.
- Level 2 Upgrade Form: Referees and Starters
- Level 2 Upgrade Form: Meet Coordinator
- Level 2 Upgrade Form: Other Officials
Upgrading to Level 3
Upgrading to Level 3 is administered by Speed Skating Canada’s Sport 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
