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World Athletics Bronze Qualifications

What is the World Athletics Referee Education and Certification System (WARECS)?

WARECS aims to develop competent Technical Officials capable of officiating at various levels of athletics competitions. The system focuses on cultivating consistency in basic officiating skills, fostering the qualities and competencies of Technical Officials, and introducing participants to the World Athletics Competition Rules and Technical Rules. The program encourages practical interpretation and application of these rules while emphasising the ethical and moral development of Technical Officials. 



 

What is a World Athletics Bronze level?

There are four different Bronze qualifications officials can sit:

  • Bronze Referee
  • Bronze Photo Finish Judge 
  • Bronze Race Walking Judge
  • Bronze Starter

 

Who can sit a Bronze qualification?

Every Member Association, every year, may propose no more than the maximum number of candidates indicated by World Athletics in order for evaluations to be conducted in a competent and fair manner. 

Candidates will need to have at least 3 years’ experience as a National Athletics Referee (minimum age 19 years).

The list of candidates should be equal in terms of gender.

 

How do I apply?

 
Australian Athletics is seeking Expressions of Interest from eligible national technical officials to be considered for nomination to undertake the WARECS Bronze Referees education and evaluation program in 2025.
 
ELIGIBILITY
Nominees must:
  • be at least 19 years of age on 24 May 2025
  • be currently registered in any capacity with a Member Association of Australian Athletics
  • be available to undertake the online written evaluation on 24 May 2025 [note that this is the only date on which the evaluation will be available in 2025]
  • have completed (or will complete by 1 May 2025) the WARECS NAR online course, examination and the three required competition days; OR
have equivalent qualifications under the previous Athletics Australia Officials Education Scheme – such detail to be provided by the nominee in the nomination form and then verified by AA
  • have been actively and regularly involved in officiating for at least the last three calendar years (2022-2023-2024) at state and/or national level [if through a valid reason there has been disruption in service during the last three years, earlier service may be added]
  • preferably, but not essentially, have had experience as a chief judge or referee at state or national level
  • not already be a WARECS Bronze, Silver or Gold Referee [WARECS Bronze, Silver or Gold Race Walking Judges or Starter may nominate]
NOTE
Those officials who were on the “list” for 2024 and who have already been contacted by Australian Athletics about the 2025 evaluation should not complete this procedure.
 
NOMINATION FORM
To nominate for consideration please complete the Expression of Interest Form and submit by no later than 5pm on Monday, 3 March 2025 to enable Australian Athletics to submit to World Athletics by its designated cut-off date.
 
 
PROCESS
Nominations will be considered and the final list approved by the Australian Athletics Officials Operations Committee. Input will be sought from the Member Association of the nominee.
 

Expression of Interest for Bronze Qualification FORM


 

World Athletics Bronze Level Evaluation

NSW Athletics has set up preparation program for officials to meet at least once a month with Gold, Silver and Bronze qualified officials to help prepare you for the exam.

The written exam for new World Athletics Bronze level will be conducted online once per year (usually in October) using the method prescribed by World Athletics.  

There will be a requirement for the candidates who pass the written element to satisfactorily participate in relevant roles in a number of competitions agreed between World Athletics and each National Member Federation relative to the breadth of the yearly competition programme of each Federation.

 

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