Officials & Regatta Volunteers
Officials for Canoe Kayak Saskatchewan events are accredited by Canoe Kayak Canada. CanoeKayak Canada Officials are trained to ensure two fundamental requirements of any sprint regatta at all levels of competition: Safety and Fairness.
SAFETY: Paddlers must be protected from hazardous conditions resulting from weather, water, boat traffic, or mechanical failures. Safety is vital and absolute; it outweighs all other aspects of Officiating.
FAIRNESS: Officials must work to provide a competitive environment that is fair to all crews and must ensure even-handed interpretation and application of the rules.
Certification Levels:
Level 1: Local | Club Competitions |
Level 2: Regional | Inter-club Competitions |
Level 3: Divisional/Provincial | Provincial & Divisional Competitions |
Level 4: National | National Competitions (Ex. Canada Summer Games, NAIG, Nationals, Special O events. |
Level 5: International | International Competitions |
Minimum Requirements:
- Minimum 16 years of age;
- Membership to Canoe Kayak Saskatchewan & Canoe Kayak Canada;
- Criminal Record Check (CRC) every five years for those 19 years and older.
- Respect in Sport – Activity Leaders Training and/or CAC Safe Sport Training
- Willing to complete the appropriate technical and professional development training;
- Commitment to volunteer for a minimum of 2 days per year
To be a CKC member in good standing, an official (levels 2-5) must:
- Be registered in CKC database for Level 4 & 5 OR
be registered with a recognized CKC division for Level 2 & 3 - Pay Official’s fee
- Sign the Officials agreement
- Submit Logbook from previous season
- Submit Safe sport screening
Upcoming Officials Clinics:
Canoe Kayak Saskatchewan strives to host Level 1/2 and Level 3 Officials Courses annually. These courses are typically online and Free.
Please check the events calendar for upcoming courses and/or email canoekayaksask@gmail.com for more information on courses being offered.
Training Process:
The Canoe Kayak Canada Officials Program is a structured progressive program. Canoe Kayak Canada is responsible for accreditation for Levels 1-4.
Level 5 accreditation is obtained through the International Canoe Federation.
The program stresses integration of theory, practical and competency based assessment at all levels.
Objectives of the Program
- To standardize the methods and techniques of officiating sprint canoe regattas;
- To ensure that sprint competitions are safe, fair and consistent with the objectives of the race
- To ensure uniformity with respect to rule interpretations;
- To ensure the required number of qualified officials are available of the event;
- To promote opportunities for volunteers to become sprint canoe officials;
- To promote opportunities for officials to progress from club level to international level officials;
- To establish criteria for official’s certification and evaluation which reflect the current standards in racing;
- To offer recognition to officials for their achievements;
- To provide ongoing education and mentoring opportunities in the role of official.
Roles & Resources:
The primary duties and responsibilities of a CKC Accredited Official are to:
- Maintain a thorough knowledge of the Competition Rules and any amendments thereto as they are made from time to time;
- Ensure all competitors receive fair, unbiased officiating;
- Arrive at the competition site on time and appropriately dressed for the function assigned;
- Give fair warning, whenever possible if you are not available for a schedule regatta;
- Provide leadership and carry out assigned duties in a manner befitting a CKC accredited Official;
- Take an active role in their development pathway;
- Seek out development and funding opportunities when/where required.
Positions at Regattas (Competitions)
Technical Officials
- Chief Official
- Chief Finish Line Judge
- Competition Secretary
- Timer
- Boat Controller
- Finish Line Judges
- Referees
- Starters
Click HERE for a description of each position.
Support Officials
- Video operator
- Announcer
- Assistants to Starter
- Referee boat drivers
- Safety personnel
- Results management
- Scorekeeper
- Host / organizer of competition
- And many others …