What does the Chief Referee do?

The Chief Referee decides all points of dispute and infringements of rules that can result in a penalty, and the decision is final (Red Book C5-301). In addition to the duties in ISU Rule 286, the Chief Referee:

1. Ensures a safe and welcoming environment for all participants and volunteers.
2. May alter the announced program if it does not conflict with the regulations. At SSC Championships and selection events (Canada Cups) this can only be done in consultation with the SSC Technical Representative(s).
3. May add a skater who was in a qualifying position to the next round, solely at their discretion, if the skater was prevented from qualifying by an offence resulting in a penalization or by any other reason not caused by the skater's own direct or indirect action.
4. Calls out of a race any competitor the referee disqualifies.
5. Suspends an entrant from that day's remaining events if they fail to compete in a race they qualified for, unless adequate reason is given.
6. May prohibit any competitor, official or coach from attending part or all of a competition for abusive language, disrespect or dangerous behaviour toward officials or competitors. The incident is reported in the Chief Referee's report to SSC.
7. Ensures only authorized skaters and officials are on the track during a race.

The Chief Referee also carries out the technical inspection of facilities and equipment, whose approval is needed before the competition starts.