Accreditation
Australian Sports Commission
It is recommended that all officials become accredited though the National Officiating Accreditation Scheme (NOAS). The NOAS is an initiative of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC). The NOAS is a progressive official education program offering courses at various levels. Over 40 sports participate in the NOAS.
Officials who are accredited through the NOAS are recognised by national and state sporting organisations and the ASC. Increasing numbers of clubs and organisations require officials to be NOAS accredited for employment. As standards for safety and ethical behaviour within officiating improve, it is even more important that officials are trained and accredited.
Officials who are accredited within the NOAS have met a minimum standard of competence. Knowing the correct procedures and policies to manage the environment, as well as effective communication and group management are essential skills that accredited officials can demonstrate. Accredited officials also receive a range of benefits, including discounts on various workshops and publications, and access to regular e-newsletters and information. Officials in some sports will also receive a coach identification card, and sport specific benefits.
Structure of the NOAS
The NOAS has a flexible approach that allows each national sporting organisation to determine the number of levels in their official’s accreditation pathway.
To find out the official accreditation pathway your sport has adopted, please contact your state or national sporting organisation.
NOAS training programs include the following components:
- officiating general principles – generic principles of officiating that apply to most sports
- sport-specific – rules, skills, and techniques of officiating in the particular sport
Officiating general principles courses are conducted through state departments of sport and recreation, as well as other delivery agencies authorised by the ASC. Note that completion of the officiating general principles component only, does not provide an officiating accreditation.
To enrol in the introductory officiating general principles course, contact your state coaching and officiating centre or enrol in the online Introductory Officiating General Principles course.
How to become an accredited official
You should contact the national or state sporting organisation for the sport in which you are interested in officiating. Most state and regional sporting organisations conduct regular official accreditation courses.
