Umpiring is an important aspect to the sport of rowing. Umpires ensure regattas are held in a safe and fair manner. They are ambassadors for the sport between athletes, coaches and spectators. Umpires have the opportunity to travel to regattas in different cities, provinces and even other countries.

 

There are 35 fully certified umpires and 20 associate umpires at this time in British Columbia. Several of these umpires are FISA qualified and have been to the World Championships and Olympics. Being an umpire gives you the best view at any regatta site; there is nothing more exciting than watching a race come down the course at full speed and seeing every change and tactic that the crews make. Many of the umpires have been parents at regattas that wanted to get involved in the sport to give back, others are athletes that have retired and still want to be involved and some are coaches that wanted to see a different side of the sport and help out from another angle.

Umpire Committee

Your Umpire Committee consists of Mike Bagshawe (Chair), Malcolm Fletcher, Ge-An Rijniersce, Peter Sage, Gordon Sund, and Wayne van Osterhout. If you have any questions about umpiring in British Columbia or would like to become an umpire, you can contact the Umpire committee at ucommittee@rowingbc.ca.

Regatta Information

• Regatta Schedule
• Best Practices
• Regatta Sanction Information
• RCA Rules of Racing
• RCA Sanction Policy
• Rowing BC Policy - Umpires Travel
• Rowing BC Expense Claim Form (Excel format)
• Rowing BC Expense Claim Form (PDF format)
• Regatta Sanction Application

Weather Protocol

The weather in Canada can change at a moments notice so RCA has developed a Weather Protocol to ensure the safety of everyone on the water.

• Introduction to Weather Protocol Presentation - PowerPoint and PDF
• RCA Weather Safety

Radio Protocol

To ensure effective radio communication it is important to have an understanding of radio protocol. Learn more:

• Introduction to Umpires and VHF marine radios presentation
• Guidelines on radio usage including how to set up your radio, using the radio and voice procedure specifications
• Canadian West Coast Suggested VHF FM Marine Channels

Becoming an Umpire

Are you interested in joining the umpire community? We would be happy to welcome you to the umpiring family! Rowing BC is committed to promoting the growth of the umpiring community, and will provide umpire training whenever there is a demand from interested persons. For more information, contact the VP Competition and Risk.

Umpire Uniform

The Rules of Racing state the following:

11.9 Umpire Attire
When officiating members of the Jury should wear the prescribed RCA uniform, which is for males a navy blue blazer, light blue shirt, RCA tie and khaki trousers; for females a navy blue blazer, light blue shirt or blouse with RCA scarf or tie and a khaki skirt or trousers. Hats and rain or cold weather outerwear will be dark blue.

Rowing Canada carries shirts, ties and hats for umpires

International Referee Information

• USRA Referee Information
• FISA Umpire Information

Stay Connected

Community Updates
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Publications
The Rowing News
Rower's Almanac
Rowing Faster