Who's in charge at an LSA surf competition, and what does the Chief Referee decide?

The Chief Referee runs the actual conduct of the competition, together with the Competition Committee. The Chief Referee:

• Applies the LSA rules and decides on matters the rules don't cover.
• Can immediately suspend all or part of the competition for safety, then refers the decision to the Safety Officer and Competition Committee. They can also start and coordinate search and rescue.
• Briefs senior officials, team managers, coaches and competitors on entry conditions, timetables, layouts, safety and emergency arrangements.
• Alters the programme when necessary and tells everyone affected without delay.
• Decides on reports, protests, rule breaches and conduct, can disqualify or penalise, and can refer offenders to LSA for further penalty.
• Reports to the LSA authority after the competition.

Below the Chief Referee:

• Deputy Chief Referee: stands in for the Chief Referee and can be given a specific area.
• Sectional Referees: control a section of the competition and its course layout, and may decide protests if directed.
• Chief Judges: roster the judges and sign the result cards.
• Safety Officer: chairs the Safety Committee, writes the safety and emergency plan, and can suspend competition where there is an unacceptable risk of serious injury.
• Appeals Committee: hears appeals against the Chief Referee's protest decisions.

Every official must watch for the safety and welfare of competitors and others, report concerns immediately, and may suspend competition in their own area if there is a catastrophic event. At smaller competitions some roles may be combined, as long as safety isn't compromised.