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Join The Officials We are the biggest team in Aussie sport. From community sport, right through to the elite level, it doesn’t happen without us. Over a million people put up their hand to officiate in sport every year, helping everyone have great experiences in sport. No matter your background, there is an officiating role for you. From umpiring, judging and timekeeping to scoring, marshalling and refereeing, it's easy to get started. Just sign up for the Community Officiating Essential Skills Course. Officiating course Join The Officials. Start by signing up for our free online course. Learn more Transforming to a modern officiating approach Developed in collaboration with the sport sector, the modern approach to officiating focuses on the participant, their individual needs, aspirations and motivations. The approach empowers officials to create positive sporting environments where participants, officials, coaches, volunteers and communities thrive. With a modern approach, more people become engaged in officiating roles and are supported to grow and develop their skills and knowledge. The new approach will also attract a diverse workforce to officiating that is representative of our diverse Australian communities. It’s about creating environments that are safe, fun and inclusive where everyone feels welcome and is supported to achieve their goals. Evolution to modern officiating
Historic approach Modern approach
Official centred Participant centred
Compliance Developing competencies to deliver an optimal experience for participants
One size fits all Adaptable officiating to meet the needs of participants
Officials are competition administrators Officials have a more holistic, multifaceted role and they are attuned to the requirements of the participants and the sporting environment.
Formal learning only Bespoke learning opportunities
Officiating resources developed and provided in isolation Coach and official development resources are aligned
Decrease in retention and recruitment of officials Increases retention and recruitment of officials
Support for sport The Australian Sports Commission will provide blended learning opportunities to support the new approach to officiating. The benefits The new approach will deliver a range of benefits for the whole sporting sector, from sporting organisations and clubs, to officials, coaches and most importantly, the participants themselves. Benefits for sports and clubs Improve culture, integrity and diversity. Reduce risk. Increase recruitment and retention. Attract and retain new participants and fans. Improve confidence and competence of officials leading to safe, inclusive competition environments. Empower and support officials to contribute to individual club and community goals. Benefits for officials Facilitate environments that enable participants and athletes to achieve their own version of success. Feel motivated to officiate and inspire others. Extend your existing knowledge through learning and engagement opportunities. Access personal and professional development to positively impact your officiating skills and other aspects of life. Learn how to manage challenges in modern sporting environments. Benefits for participants Play sport on their terms. Improve their fundamental motor and physical literacy skills. Inspire them to participate in sport for life. Enjoy safe, positive and inclusive environments. Experience a sense of belonging. Related resources Modern officiating approach fact sheet
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