Boat Race Officials

BROs – Boat Race Officials

Boat Race Officials (BROs) and Volunteers ensure that every regatta is fun, safe and managed to a high standard. There are a variety of responsibilities required during a regatta, including:

Umpires: Follow each race up the course ensuring that the boats stay in their respective lanes and are abiding by race rules.

Starters: Liaises with the aligner and getting each race underway to a fair and safe start.

Aligners: Liaises with the starter and aligns boats evenly for a fair start.

Judges: Ensures that the correct finishing order is recorded from the finish line. A fantastic role where you get to witness all the results first hand!

Marshals: Identifies and marshals boats into the race and monitors safety.

President of the Jury (POJ): Single BRO nominated by the Officials Jury who oversees all the official regatta operations.

FAQs about Becoming a Boat Race Official

Do I have to have been/be a rower or part of a club or school to become an official?

No, you do not have to have an affiliation with a club or school rowing program nor any experience in the sport of rowing. It is, however, helpful and advantageous to know the basics of the sport as this will assist in your general knowledge in progression through course material.

How often do you officiate?

Officiating occurs within the regatta season. You can choose which regattas you can officiate at and therefore can be a flexible volunteer role.

Do you get to choose which regattas you can officiate at?

Yes, all BROs are able to nominate themselves to any regatta on the Rowing SA Regatta Calendar. This can be done through your personal Rowing Manager profile.

What do I need to bring?

You don’t need much but it is best to bring a bag with appropriate weather gear dependent on the day! Rowing SA provides all volunteers with snacks, lunch and plenty of water along with all the relevant regatta draws and regatta equipment you need throughout the day!

Where do I start?

If becoming a BRO is of interest to you, get in touch with us at cnewberry@rowingsa.asn.au