Officials Courses

Surf Official Refresher

The Surf Official Refresher is an annual opportunity to test and refresh knowledge and understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a Surf Official, including: any changes to rules and regulations, health and safety updates and key reminders for the season. The refresher aims to provide the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to officiate at club and regional levels.

Training Information 

Pre-requisites:  Current member of a SLS club  | Hold Surf Official Award

Training Type:  Online. 20-30mins.

This can be accessed via the member portal here: https://webportal.surflifesaving.org.nz/ and you can log in by following these steps:  watch here. 

Members are auto-enrolled if they have the “Surf Official Level 1” Award & meet the LMS access criteria (at least 12y old; allocated in the CRM to the current or previous season; active account in CRM) on 1 August year year. If enrolled, the refresher will be available under “My Training” in the LMS.

If you were not enrolled, to self-enrol, click on the “Training Library”, find the “Sport – Officials” course category and click on “View Courses”. Find the “Surf Official Refresher” course and click “enrol”.

Surf Official Level 1 

The Surf Official Level 1 Award is an entry level award given to candidates that have demonstrated competency in a range of surf official support roles and who have demonstrated basic knowledge of the rules relating to sport events. This award enables parents, caregivers and other to get involved in support of athletes of all ages. The course aims to provide the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to officiate at club and regional levels.

The Surf Official Level 1 Award is the first step on the SLSNZ Surf Official Development Pathway. 

Training & Course Information 

Pre-requisites:  Current member of a SLS club  | 16 years of age

Duration:   2 hour practical course + online pre-learning modules.  

Online Pre-learning: The self-directed online learning must be completed prior to attending the 2hr practical session. This online course consist of 3 modules:

  1. Part 1: The Surf Official Handbook
  2. Part 2: Surf Sports Competition Manual
  3. Part 3: Live Heats

All online learning can be accessed via the member portal here: https://webportal.surflifesaving.org.nz/ and you can log in by following these steps: watch here. Once logged in, you can self-enrol by clicking on “Training Library”, then into the “Sport - Officials” Course Category. 

Delivered by:   Qualified and Approved Surf Official Facilitators. 

Who should attend:  Any SLSNZ club members interested in getting started in surf officiating including competitors, or previous competitors, parents, supporters or existing volunteer 'officials' with no formal training/award.

Participant requirements: Completion of the pre-learning online modules, attend the practical 2 hour workshops and complete two days practical experience. Practical experience must be signed off by an accredited Surf Official Assessor. 

SLSNZ Approved Assessors here (Updated July 2025)

Topics Covered

  1. Introduction to officiating
  2. Surf Officials Roles
  3. Communication with athletes
  4. Assessment and Accreditation
  5. Surf Sport rules and regulations
  6. Principles of Risk Management & Health and Safety

Registrations

To register please contact your Regional Sports Manager.

Facilitators

If you are interest in becoming an accredited Surf Official Level 1 Course Facilitator to deliver the 2 hour practical workshop/course, please complete this application form.  
Surf Official Level 1 Facilitator Application Form

Outcomes

At the completion of this award officials will be able to:

  1. Observe, Record, Report
  2. Identify the athlete centred approach to officiating
  3. Identify and demonstrate selected roles of surf officials
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of effective communication
  5. Identify risk management processes and values relevant to surf officials
  6. Demonstrate knowledge of the rules of surf life saving sports

 

Surf Official Level 2 

The Surf Official Level 2 Award is awarded to candidates that have demonstrated competency in Level 2 Surf Official roles, while effectively leading and managing a small group of officials during large regional or national events. 

This award further recognises the surf official's ability to make decisions and problem solve during an event, while competently using event management systems and procedures to deliver a safe and enjoyable event for participants. 

The  Surf Official Level 2 Award is recognition of an official's ability to competently lead and manage aspects of a sport event.

Course Information 

Pre-requisites:  Current member of a SLS club | 18 years of age  |  Surf Official Level 1 Award | Minimum 2 seasons officiating experience at level 1, and have officiated at least one regional championship.

Training Type:  Self directed online learning followed by a one day course an a minimum of 2 days practical experience. 

Online Pre-learning: The self-directed online learning must be completed by applicants accepted on to the course prior to attending the 1-day course. This online course consist of 4 modules:

  1. Part 1: SO L2 Expected Behaviour
  2. Part 2: SO L2 Processes
  3. Part 3: SO L2 Technology
  4. Part 4: SO L2 People Skills

Course Date/details:  There is usually only one course offered each year, normally in September. The course location is dependent on where the majority of registrants reside. Travel subsidies are available for out of town registrants.

Course Facilitators: Delivered by trained and approved SLSNZ facilitators.

Who should attend: Those officials who are looking to step up into Surf Official L2 roles (i.e. Arena Referee, Chief Judge, etc) or a more advanced officiating role, including assisting with leading and managing regional events. 

Award requirements:  Pre-learning comleted online, completion of the one day Level 2 Surf Official course, and a minimum of two days practical experience, and the completion of the Surf Officials L2 Assessment Report. Assessment must be signed off by an accredited Level 2 Surf Official Assessor. 

If you are interested in becoming an accredited facilitator in this course please click here.

Topics covered

  1. Managing your team
  2. Communication
  3. Team leadership (including building trust, motivation, management of a team and mentoring)
  4. Code of conduct & Participant-centred officiating
  5. Decision making
  6. Conflict management
  7. SO L2 Roles and responsibilities
  8. Health, safety and risk management

Outcomes

At the completion of this award officials will be able to:

  1. Effectively communicate with your audience using the appropriate communication tools
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of managing a team in conjunction with a competition programme and timings
  3. Show effective conflict resolution and decision making strategies
  4. Explain and apply your leadership in a Level 2 Officials role context
  5. Demonstrate risk management learning in a Level 2 Officials role context

Registration

Expressions of Interest are now closed for the 2025 Surf Officials Level 2 Course(s).

If you have any questions in the meantime please feel free to call or email Poppy Crouch, Member Development & Engagement Officer, 027 537 7233, poppy.crouch@surflifesaving.org.nz