Umpiring

Regattas and Head races could not run without umpires who undertake rigorous training to ensure that racing is safe and fair for all competitors. Many are rowers themselves who have given up or reduced their active rowing and are giving something back to the sport.

Whilst safety is everyone’s responsibility, during a race the Umpire takes on particular responsibility for the conduct of the race. Things can happen during a race that can create an unsafe situation or make racing conditions unfair or unequal for the competitors. The Race Umpire uses his or her judgement to restore fair and equal chance to the competitors in each race, as guided by the ARA Rules of Racing.

Anyone who thinks they might be interested in training to become an umpire should contact the chairman of their local commission. See your Region's contact pages.

The ARA, WARA and SARA recognise three categories of umpire qualifications:

• Umpires Licence
• Umpires Licence with multi-lane endorsement
• FISA Licence

The ARA has a National Umpires Commission which is responsible to the National Competitions Committee for the administration, training and examination of Umpires.

Chairman: Paddy Ibbotson

There is also a Multi-lane Umpires Commission responsible for matters relating the multi-lane endorsement of ARA and FISA licences.

Chairman: John Hedger