OFFICIATING OPPORTUNITIES
Officials play a vital role in bringing surf sports competitions to life. You can officiate events on the beach, in the pool or out in the ocean, involving a range of action-packed disciplines and more traditional lifesaving skills. Whether you’re starting as a Core Official, building technical expertise or stepping into senior leadership, you’ll help ensure competitions are safe, fair and run smoothly.
Core Official
What is it?
Core Officials support entry-level and junior participants in recreational and competitive club surf sports. You'll learn the essential elements of officiating across beach, board and swim disciplines and may officiate at any carnivals and competitions, including State Championships, for age groups up to and including Under 14.
Where can it lead?
This experience can support progression into Technical and Senior officiating roles.
What are the requirements?
Minimum 16 years old
Have a current Working with Children Check
Will I need to get wet? Occasionally
This could suit you if you are:
Friendly, approachable and enjoy supporting junior athletes
Organised, reliable and attentive to detail
Fair, objective and confident following competition rules
A clear communicator who can build rapport with athletes, coaches and officials
Comfortable working as part of a team in a busy competition environment
Technical Official
What is it?
Technical Officials perform specific roles at club, branch and state surf sports competitions across Junior, Senior and Masters carnivals, as well as Pool Rescue, Surf Boats, IRB and Lifesaving. You may volunteer as a marshal, judge, starter or recorder while building experience in the national officiating pathway.
Where can it lead?
Technical Official accreditation is the pathway to Senior Official roles.
What are the requirements?
Minimum 16 years old
Hold a current Working with Children Check
Will I need to get wet? Occasionally
This could suit you if you are:
Organised, reliable and highly attentive to detail
Fair, objective and confident applying competition rules
Able to make clear and timely decisions in a busy environment
A strong communicator who works well with athletes, coaches and other officials
Keen to specialise in different officiating roles and disciplines
Senior Official
What is it?
Senior Officials take on advanced officiating roles at high-level state and national surf sports competitions. You may serve as a Chief Judge, Referee, Area Referee, Sectional Referee or Course Supervisor, while also mentoring Core and Technical Officials and delivering training workshops in your designated officiating area.
Where can it lead?
Senior Official experience can lead to opportunities at the highest levels of competition, including the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships and Lifesaving World Championships.
What are the requirements?
Minimum 16 years old
Have a current Working with Children Check
Hold a Current Technical Official Accreditation
Will I need to get wet? Occasionally
This could suit you if you are:
An experienced Technical Official with strong knowledge of competition rules
Fair, objective and confident making complex decisions under pressure
A strong leader and communicator who can mentor and train other officials
Organised, calm and capable of overseeing competition areas and officiating teams
Committed to maintaining high standards at state, national and international events
Ready to start your journey?
Find a club
Click here to find a club near you!
Contact us
If you have any further inquiries, please feel free to reach out to us via slssa.reception@surflifesavingsa.com.au or by calling 8354 6900 during office hours.