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.
Referee: Single BRO nominated by the Officials Jury who oversees all the official regatta operations.
Volunteers: Umpire Boat Drivers: Assist umpires by driving their boats up and down the course to follow each race. A great role for anyone who enjoys driving a boat and being out on the water!
Regatta Control Assistant: Help run RP7 (regatta manager software) and process crew changes and scratchings.
Finish Timers: Manages all aspects of the timing system and works in front of the finish line. They also assist the judge in recording results.
Finish Camera Operator: (West Lakes only) Takes a photo of each boat as it passes the finish line. This is the place to be if you enjoy watching great finishes!
Commentating: Provides running commentary, race updates and information to competitors and spectators.
Volunteer Coordinator: Works with the host of the regatta and liaises with their designated volunteers to ensure all roles are covered and all volunteers are taken care of.
Bow Numbers: Ensures that each boat crew for each race are provided with the correct bow number relating to the regatta program. Bow numbers are required to be returned after each race so the regatta can continue to flow smoothly.
Boat Holders: Works on the start pontoon to hold boats as they are aligned. Boat holders are ferried to and from the start pontoon by boat or car.
Regatta Filming Assistant: Helps with operation of filming and production equipment with the live-streaming of larger regattas.
Interviewer: A selected interviewer provides coverage of athletes and members of the community throughout the regatta.

National Rowing Officials Accreditation Scheme (NROAS)

The National Rowing Officials Accredititation Scheme (NROAS) consists of five progressional stages of the official pathway. Each stage requires a certain amount of training and experience in order to progress. Please see the below diagram which describes the required training for progression.

FAQ’s 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.

Is the theory test hard and does it require a lot of time?
No, the theory test examines basic judging, marshalling, umpiring and control commission components. The test should not take long as it is multiple choice and can be completed in your own time.

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 BRO’s 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 info@rowingnsa.asn.au