1. “Working with Rowing Referees”
ELIZABETH WEBB
Austin Rowing Club
Executive Director
POLLY WHITESIDE
Head Of The Charles Regatta
Umpire Logistics

2. TAKEAWAYS (what we hope you will do)
1) Referees are VOLUNTEERS
2) ATTRACTING Quality Referees
3) Referee RETENTION

3. The Value of a Referee: Priceless!
US Rowing Licensed Officials ~
Bring INTEGRITY to your event
Retain INSURANCE coverage
A Critical FACE of your Regatta

4. Role of a Referee Safety – protect investment
Fairness – level playing field
Enhance Athlete Experience

5. 1) Referees are VOLUNTEERS

6. It all starts with The CHIEF
How Do I CHOOSE Referees?
Get references from Other Regattas in your region and worldwide (that’s why they’re called “referees” *)
Contact your Regional Referee Representative
Contact USRowing
It all starts with The CHIEF
Retaining a
Good Crew of Referees
year to year

7. 2) Attracting Quality Referees ~ Why they COME and Come BACK
FRIENDLY people
NEEDS anticipated and MET
CONNECTION with your event

12. Attracting Quality Referees ~ Treat them as well as you can afford
Hotels/Lodging
PARKING -- CLOSE to the referee meeting site
Meals/Provisions
BREAKS – most referees work hours/day
Working Equipment – launches, etc.
TRAINING – online; in-person local
Well-marked COURSE

17. Examples of Referee Benefits ~ Austin Rowing Club
Referee Stipends: $100/day for in-state referees
$200/day for out-of-state referees
Referee Dinner at hotel the evening before a regatta. Opportunity for a Referee clinic if a clinician is on your jury
Breakfast and Lunch during regatta and unlimited snacks, water, etc.

18. 3) RETAINING Referees ~ Goodies Beyond the Call
Extra CLOTHES for bad weather
TARP floor in their tent
JACKETS -- advertise your regatta all year
Service-year PINS
Pair with requested ROOMMATES
Thank-you notes – , or handwritten

21. CHIEF REFEREE #1 Decision Maker
US Rowing’s SAFETY REP. If unsafe to continue racing, the Chief must pull the plug.
If Chief stops the race, Chief instructs USRowing referees to leave. US Rowing’s insurance coverage ceases.
Adjudicates protests or issues of fairness.

22. YOUR YOUR STORIES and TIPS? Share them now!

23. Contact us: ELIZABETH WEBB POLLY WHITESIDE
Austin Rowing Club, Executive Director
(512)
POLLY WHITESIDE
Head Of The Charles Regatta, Umpire Logistics
(617)