Officiating Surf Sports Competitions

Officials monitor races and competitions to ensure that the rules are being followed. The officiating pathway follows a similar tiered structure to coaching:

  • Core Official

  • Technical Official

  • Senior Official (By Expression of Interest Only - register your interest by clicking on ‘enrol’ in the course via your SLS Members Area Training Library)

Click here for more detailed information on the role of the official (SLSA information).

How to become an official

This guide will take you through the steps required to become either a Core Official or Technical Official

Please note: you do NOT need to undertake a Core Officials course PRIOR to undertaking a Technical Officials course. SLSSA recommends undertaking the TECHNICAL officials course for most candidates as it allows greater flexibility for roles/carnivals.

NEW OFFICIALS FACE TO FACE WORKSHOPS - 2024-25 dates

Further officiating leadership training/accreditation

For those Technical Officials who would like to further their training & level of responsibility to become a Chief Judge, Course Supervisor or Referee, the Senior Officials course is the next step. This course is generally conducted once every two years & includes a combination of online coursework + group practical/scenarios. To register your interest, please email surf.sports@surflifesavingsa.com.au

Related documents:

  • Official Assessment Tool (to be completed by an Officials Mentor as they are signing off the accreditation process)

  • Officials Reaccreditation Form (to be completed & returned, together with supporting documentation as required, to surf.sports@surflifesavingsa.com.au for any official who is needing to update their accreditation

  • Officials Electronic Log Book Guide - When Officiating activities have been logged and approved, re-licensing – points will be awarded. These points will accrue electronically.

    The electronic logbook provides the ability to record activities and validates your record of success when accreditation is due at the end of a four year period. The electronic logbook is also evidence of experience and ongoing personal development when you apply for officiating positions.

More information

Contact the Surf Sports department for any officiating or officials accreditation queries. 

All documentation relating to courses, accreditation, re-accreditation, recognition of prior learning, is available for members on the Members Portal. 

Surf Sports Manual- https://sls.com.au/ssm

SLSA Officiating Related Circulars

Circular 13 2024-25 - Call for Senior Official Nominations - Australian Surf Life Saving Championships 2025 and 2026

Circular 15 2024-25 - Shaw and Partners Coolangatta Gold 2024 - Call for Officials Nominations