The operation of all regattas comes under the control of Boat Race Officials (BROs). BROs are integral to the operation of our sport and to providing a competitive environment that is safe and fair for all athletes.
People come to Officiating through their own unique journeys. Maybe you have rowed in the past and want to stay connected to the sport, maybe you're at Uni and looking to make a bit of money on the weekends, maybe you're the parent of a rower who thinks hey, I'll be there anyway - may as well get the best seat in the house!
Becoming a BRO
You've decided to start on the pathway to becoming a fully-fledged BRO - now what?
1. Attend a Level 1 BRO Training Session
Before you head out to a regatta for the first time, you'll attend a free 'Level 1 BRO Training Session'. During this session, you'll learn all the foundational info about the role of a BRO, including the basics of the different regatta-day jobs.
To sign up for one of these sessions, head to 'Upcoming Events' on our website and look for any sessions named 'Level 1 BRO Training Session. Pick a date that suits you, and register through the event. This will be sent straight to the RWA Office who will help coordinate the session.
If you can't see a session that suits you, send us an email at gmoperations@rowingwa.asn.au and we'll help you out.
2. Register for Level 1 Online Training
This free online training is a fantastic resource for anyone wishing to become an accredited Level 1 BRO. It is a self-paced course, administered by Rowing Australia, that can be completed alongside your on-water learning.
3. Start to come out to regattas & learn through hands-on experience!
You will be paired up with mentor BROs who will show you the ropes of the major regatta roles, including Marshaling, Starting, Umpiring and Judging.
4. Continue your journey
The sky is the limit with your Officiating career. If you have ambitions to be an Olympic BRO, then we can support you to achieve this dream! On the other hand, if you would like to keep it casual, that's absolutely fine - all our BROs are valuable to our community no matter their accreditation level.
Working With Children
Rowing WA is committed to being a Child Safe Organisation, and ensuring that our young athletes feel safe and supported in their sporting experience. All Rowing WA Boat Race Officials are required to have a current Working with Children Check. We can assist you in obtaining yours!
For information on how to obtain your working with Children Check or how to renew it online please click here
Boat Race Officials Pathway
1. Level 1 Accreditation
The Level 1 program is aimed at someone wanting to begin their officiating career. This program trains officials who have minimal background in rowing and will officiate predominantly at club and school level regattas. Examples of this type of official are teachers and parents with non-rowing backgrounds and current rowing club members wanting to help at regattas. This program trains officials who will officiate at a local club and school regattas. These officials will be trained in regattas procedures, rules of racing, judging, umpiring, marshalling, radio protocols, and safety protocols. After the successful completion of the above, the participant will be required to spend approximately 5 hours in each area with a mentor and pass the Level 1 BRO online course to achieve accreditation as a Level I Official. The amount of time spent will vary according to the function, i.e. Control Commission will probably be less than Umpiring.
Course Prerequisites: Attendees must be at least 16 years of age.
2. Level 2 Accreditation
The Level 2 course is aimed at senior officials looking to take their officiating further. This program trains officials who already have some experience in the sport and aims to provide the official with the knowledge and skills to officiate at state level regattas. They will have enough knowledge to effectively make decisions and potentially referee at a small regatta. Level 2 officials will also be able to mentor more junior officials and have good knowledge of the rules of racing and how to apply them, as well as duties of control commission and starter.
Course Prerequisites: At least two years’ officiating experience holding the Level 1 officiating accreditation. Minimum three regattas officiated / year (metropolitan) or two regattas/year (regional areas).
3. Level 3 Rowing Australia Accreditation
The Level 3 accreditation is aimed at officials intending to officiate at national championship regattas and to referee at club/school and state-level regattas. This program aims to develop the official’s concepts of racing rules, application to incidents, refereeing, control commission, starting and high-level umpiring. These officials also have the potential to mentor Level 1 and 2 officials.
Course Prerequisites:
- At least one year’s officiating experience holding the Level 2 officiating accreditation
- Officiated at a state championships regatta
World Rowing
A World Rowing officiating licence is an advanced accreditation level. It is aimed at high-level officials who endeavour to officiate at international championship regattas.
Course Prerequisites:
- Level 3 completed
- Recommendation from Rowing Australia/Umpires Commission to World Rowing
BRO Re-Accreditation
If your accreditation has expired, you can apply for re-accreditation by returning the Re-accreditation form below to the Rowing WA office.
Information on the National Rowing Officiating Accreditation Scheme can be found in the document below.
If you have any further questions relating to officials education please contact the Development & Operations Coordinator at Rowing WA.