Referee Staffing
Considerations Size of regatta Type of regatta Venue Availability of referees Experience level Other?
Pre-Regatta Carefully review the positions with the LOC Plan for attrition Find a mix of experience and new interest Talk to the regional rep or other referees about referees you don’t know Determine any limitations –Required staffing (i.e. a person must be in a specific position) –Physical limitations –Inability to drive a launch –Expected weather conditions
How Many??? Is there ever too many referees? Considerations for coming up with the right number. – One referee for dual college meet – Eighteen referees for NCAA Championship
Control Commission Athlete weigh ins Boat weigh ins Boat safety checks Athlete verification Dock masters Drug Testing
Control Commission Understanding of purpose Understanding of technical aspects Detail orientation Ability to interact with athletes, coaches, LOC, fans appropriately Focus
Marshall Pre Start Course Finish line Cool down Practice Is LOC staffing?????
Marshall Attention span Big picture view Anticipation of problems Awareness of impact on the athletes Knowledge of job requirements (e.g. line up by bow number, monitor traffic pattern, etc.) Comfort in small boats and driving
Start How big is the Start Platform? Starter Assistant Starter Communications
Start Attention to detail Ability to multi task Willingness to follow procedure Understanding of technical systems Ability to calmly solve problems Understanding of impact on the athletes Confidence to address issues Ability to coordinate other referees
Referees Race centers and distance have most influence on number of referees following races. Number of launches available.
Following the Race Comfort in the launch Appropriate experience Ability to direct the launch driver Awareness of impact on the athletes Willingness to follow direction
Finish Line Finish installation? LOC staffing with volunteers?
Finish Ability to work with volunteers Knowledge of technical systems Confidence to control the finish line area Focus
Other Positions Relief Referees Deputy Chief Ombudsman Other??? – Trainers – Examiners
Jury Experience Knowledge of process Diplomacy
Ombudsman/Chef du Lac Thorough knowledge of the rules Ability to determine the actual situation Confidence to make decisions and articulate them Ability to gain concensus Awareness of larger impacts of decisions
Additional Considerations Health and welfare of your staff Wear and tear on your staff –Breaks, food, water/land mix Direction from you
Head Races / Time Trials Differences from sprint racing –Start –Marshalls –Finish –Weather