VOLUNTEER/RACE OFFICIAL EDUCATION
Did you know that it takes in the neighbourhood of 75 volunteers to effectively run a FIS slalom? As a result, volunteers are a key component of ski racing events across Canada. In order to volunteer at a ski race as a race official, volunteers are required to have an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the Race Organizing Committee.
The Alberta Alpine Officials program is a structured, integrated program involving four levels of Officials and four levels of Technical Delegates. It covers all Officials from the noviceLevel I, to the highly qualified and experienced Level IV Officials and Technical Delegates. The program stresses the integration of practical knowledge with theory at all levels. It seeks to provide the means by which Officials can build a broader and more knowledgeable base of experience andmaintain that level of experience. It is vital that Officials are able to provide race organization and officiating skills that will match the competitors' performance levels and program goals. Competitors have the right to expect that Officials have this level of expertise so that race results reflect the athlete's ability and skill without being compromised.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the Program are the following:
- To standardize the methods and techniques of organizing and officiating at ski races across Alberta
- To ensure that ski competitions are fair, safe, and consistent with prescribed standards
- To ensure uniformity with respect to rule interpretations
- To ensure that required numbers of qualified Officials are available at all races in Alberta
- To offer opportunities to anyone, anywhere to become a ski Official
- To offer opportunities, through established programs, for Officials to progress from club level Officials to International officials
- To establish criteria for Officials certification which reflect the current competition standards
- To offer recognition to Officials for their achievements
ALBERTA ALPINE OFFICIALS PROGRAM
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LEVEL |
DESCRIPTION |
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Level l |
The Level 1 Officials course prepares individuals for volunteering at local races in various junior Race Officials positions. This course is 3 hours long with no exam and no pre-requisites. |
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Level II
Level II for coaches |
The Level 2 offers further education and training to individuals who have already completed their Level I and have gained 8 race days of practical experience at local races in at least three different positions from two different categories (see chart below). Level II Officials are qualified for several Chief and Jury positions. The course is 6 hours with a national exam requiring a minimum of 70% to pass.
This course places a heavier emphasis on areas and material critical for a coach to understand, in particular preparation for coaches to hold the Referee position at a ski race.
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Level III
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Prepares Officials for all Chief positions and for minimum entry qualifications for the Technical Delegate (TD) program. Course prerequisite - must be Level II official with specified experience. Course is 2 days with national exam. Minimum of 70% is required to pass.
For prerequisites please see below. |
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Level IV |
This level is for those Officials who have gained further experience at National or International races and who have demonstrated superior abilities as an Official. The must be recommended by the Alberta Officials Chair to the National Officials Committee |
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Alberta Technical Delegate |
Must be Level III or IV Official, serve as TD Candidate at two races and be evaluated in both cases. Practical and written exam. Qualified to TD at Alberta races and some National Level Races. |
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National Technical Delegate |
Obtained through experience and demonstrated superior ability. They must be recommended by the Alberta Officials Chair to the National Officials Committee. |
Pre-requisitesfor entry to a Level 3 Official course are:
- successful completion of the Level 2 Officials course
- completion of an assignment as Chief of Race at a K1 or K2 race, or higher
- plus one of the following positions at a K1 or K2 race, or higher: Chief of Course, Chief of Timing/Calculations, Chief of Gate Judges or Race Secretary
- plus two assignments as a Jury member, other than as Chief of Race: i.e. positions of Referee, Assistant Referee, Start Referee or Finish Referee
- plus one assignment from the following table at a FIS level race. This should be a different assignment than that listed in 1 to 4 above.
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Administration |
Event Quality |
Course |
Timing |
Jury |
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Race Organizing Committee Chairperson |
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Chief of Race |
Chief of Timing & Calculations |
Technical Delegate |
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Chief of Course |
Chief of Timing |
TD Candidate |
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Chief of Administration |
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Chief of Gate Judges |
Electric Timer |
Referee |
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(Race Secretary) |
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Gate Judge |
Starter |
Jury Advisors |
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Course Crew |
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Start Referee |
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Finish Referee |
Note that accreditedLevel 3 CSCF coaches are eligible to register for a Level 3 Officials courseeven though they may not meet the above practical assignments.
Not having completed all theabove practical assignments does not preclude you from registering for theLevel 3 course but your request will be subject to review beforeattending. If you feel you haveclose to, or equivalent, practical experience to the above, we'd like to hearfrom you. Please provide detailsof this experience.
Note that, even though you may attend the Level 3 course you will not beaccredited as a Level 3 Official until the practical prerequisites arecompleted, or your current practical experience is accepted as equivalent.
