How are officials appointed, and what qualification do they need?

Question

Accepted Answer

The appointment of officials rests solely with the relevant SLSA authority running the carnival, which may call for nominations.

Minimum qualification: SLSA Officials' Accreditation, or an approved equivalent, is regarded as the minimum qualification for appointment. Probationary or on-the-job training officials may be appointed alongside accredited officials to gain experience.
Impartiality: officials should be impartial in the discharge of their duties.
Tasks without accreditation: people without SLSA or specialist qualifications may be appointed to tasks such as video operation, recording assistant, holding a finish pole, judge in boat, timekeeper and recorder. They are given instructions for the task and should not be placed in complex roles that could influence the outcome of an event.
Notification and briefings: officials should be told as soon as practical of their appointment, their specific duties, and the times and places for briefings and reporting. All appointed officials must attend all briefings, and attendance should be recorded.
Rule breaches: officials should record any infringement of competition rules or conduct violations that may be needed to support later action.
Membership: only SLSA members, or other people duly recognised by SLSA, may participate (including officiating) in an SLSA activity.

Source: SLSA Surf Sports Manual, 38th Edition, Introduction (g) and clauses 13.1 to 13.3 and 13.5.