How do I become and stay an RA Umpire, and how long does the licence last?

Becoming an RA Umpire (Rule 95): any umpire who has held a Member Association licence for at least three years may become an RA Umpire if they have normal sight and hearing and pass the examination held by the RA Umpires Committee. The Committee sets the theoretical and practical examinations, runs them and keeps the register of licences.

Length: the RA Umpire's licence is valid for four years. If the holder takes part in an Umpires seminar organised by RA, it is automatically extended for the next four years. An umpire whose licence has expired and who wishes to umpire must take and pass a fresh examination.

Renewal (Appendix 4): the Committee may renew a licence if the holder has:

• been an active umpire at regattas held under a Member Association;
• officiated at no fewer than one RA regatta (not counting the one where the licence was issued or renewed) in the four years before the renewal request is considered; and
• taken part satisfactorily in a seminar held by the Umpires Committee in the preceding four years.

Review and lapse: the Committee may review a licence at any time and revoke it if the holder is deemed not competent. A licence automatically lapses if the renewal requirements are not met, if it is revoked, or if the holder no longer holds a current licence to umpire regattas in the State that issued it. Disputes go to the RA Board, whose decision is final.