Benefits of Officials Accreditation 

Using Australian Sailing accredited officials is a positive step which can help your club meet its racing sailor’s needs. Accredited officials help provide racing that’s consistently well run, fair and safe - directly impacting your club fleet’s and your volunteer’s weekly enthusiasm.

All too often it’s anticipated that things won’t go wrong in racing because they never have before. As a club it’s imperative to create the right perception – show your members that you take their needs and concerns seriously. Show the public that sailing is a safe and well managed sport. Show your members that you are progressive – don’t rely on training carried out 20 years ago.

Using accredited officials strongly contributes towards ensuring that the club has minimised the on-water risks, will make credible decisions (as a race or protest committee), and deliver consistency in racing. It addresses the concern from competitors regarding the race environment, the right calls, and instils confidence that they’ll enjoy a positive experience.

By using race educated and trained volunteers, clubs often build:
•    Enhanced reputation for hosting quality events.
•    Positive experience for all participants (club staff, volunteers & competitors).
•    Increased participation resulting from positive word-of-mouth.
•    A positive club safety record.

The positive benefits for volunteers and a Club or Class Association that offers training and values accreditation include:
•    Meeting new people - officiating provides an opportunity for people to participate in sport without being a competitor – in turn helping build your club community.
•    Increasing your Officials racing knowledge and skill through training which empowers volunteers and assists with volunteer satisfaction and retention.
•    Establishing an effective working relationship between key volunteers and the club (Contributes towards accountability and reporting).
•    Provides a coordinated program for recognising and training officials and club volunteers (Continuous education).
•    Allows clubs to comply with external racing requirements (Compliance).
•    Providing safe and fair sailing for participants and volunteers (This helps tackle issues with race consistency, ethics and risk management).
•    Accreditation supports advocacy (Model behavior) and leadership within your Club or Class Association and volunteer group.