Officials are necessary to host an event.
If you’re considering becoming an official, the first thing you need to know is what kind of official you want to become. There are four types of officials: Judges, Scorers, Drivers, or Safety.
Judge:
Each competition event (Slalom, Trick, or Jump) requires a certain number of event judges.
Scorer:
Driver:
Drivers are responsible for giving each skier a consistent ride through the competition path.
Safety:
Safety officials help maintain the safety requirements and recommendations for the operation of tournaments and other events sanctioned by USA Water Ski.
How to become a safety coordinator
If you’re considering becoming an official, the first thing you need to know is what kind of official you want to become. There are four types of officials: Judges, Scorers, Drivers, or Safety.
Judge:
Each competition event (Slalom, Trick, or Jump) requires a certain number of event judges.
- Slalom judges are in charge of determining if the skier officially navigated the course.
- Trick judges determine which tricks a skier did and if they did them properly.
- Jump judges verify boat times, boat path, and measure the distance of each jump.
Scorer:
- Slalom scorers record the scores the judges report and also confirm boat times.
- Trick scorers consolidate the judges' calls and record the tricks in the computer.
- Jump scorers record the boat times and distance of the jump.
Driver:
Drivers are responsible for giving each skier a consistent ride through the competition path.
Safety:
Safety officials help maintain the safety requirements and recommendations for the operation of tournaments and other events sanctioned by USA Water Ski.
How to become a safety coordinator
Become an official
Now that you know the differences between the types of officials, you can start working towards your rating. Each type of official (scorer, judge, driver) has multiple rating levels:
When you first begin working toward your rating, you will work alongside a current, rated official so there is no need to feel intimidated. They will help you every step of the way!
Clinics
Clinics are required to maintain your officials' rating. Some clinics are available online.
Judges
- Assistant Official: Entry Level
- Regular Official: Intermediate Level
- Senior Official: Expert Level
When you first begin working toward your rating, you will work alongside a current, rated official so there is no need to feel intimidated. They will help you every step of the way!
Clinics
Clinics are required to maintain your officials' rating. Some clinics are available online.
Judges
Contact Jeanette Van Akelijen, the OWSA Official Development Committee Chair for more information about becoming an official in Ohio!