🚣♀️ Rowing Queensland: Level 1 Boat Race Official Trainee Guide
👋 Welcome aboard!
Being a Boat Race Official (BRO) with Rowing Queensland isn’t just about knowing the rules—it’s about being part of a tight-knit team that keeps our regattas fair, fun, and safe for everyone involved. Whether you’re Judging, Marshalling, Umpiring, or helping with the Control Commission, your role is crucial to the success of our events across the Sunshine State.
🌞 Why Officiate in Queensland?
- Work alongside passionate volunteers at scenic regatta venues from Wyaralong to Bundaberg to Townsville.
- Develop skills in leadership, decision-making, and teamwork.
- Be part of a fun, supportive rowing community.
- Help shape a fair, safe, and inclusive sport for future generations.
✅ Getting Started
The best BROs bring a collaborative attitude and commitment to ensuring safe and fair competition. You’ll need:
- Availability to attend a few regattas each season.
- Basic knowledge of rowing.
- Willingness to learn the Rules of Racing.
- Complete the RA Level One Boat Race Official Accrediation Course. Side Note: on completion, please email events@rowingqld.com.au or info@rowingqld.com.au so that we can welcome you into the fold and get you set up with the other steps!
- A current Blue Card (Working with Children Check) for QLD.
- Completion of the RA Code of Ethics and registration through Rowing Manager.
- Optional: QLD Recreational Marine Licence to assist on the water.
📈 Pathway: From Trainee to Level 1
Progress through online modules, gather practical regatta experience, and support from senior officials.
🔑 Four Key Regatta Roles at RQ Events
You’ll get to try out all four roles across different RQ regattas. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
📋 Judge
- Record finishes and margins.
- Confirm and publish results.
Equipment: Stopwatch, radio, flags, binoculars, draw.
🧭 Marshal
- Group and deliver crews to the start.
- Communicate timing and changes.
Equipment: Radio, megaphone, draw.
🚩 Umpire
- Ensure safety and fairness from start to finish.
- Use flag signals and monitor race conduct.
Equipment: Flags, stopwatch, radio, draw.
🛟 Control Commission
- Check crews and boats for safety and compliance pre- and post-race.
🎉 Ready to Start?
Your journey starts now. With support from experienced officials and our community, you’ll grow into a confident, capable contributor to Queensland’s regatta success.
🗺️ BRO Pathway Flow Chart
📚 Step 1: Complete RA Level 1 Online Modules
🧪 Step 2: Shadow experienced BROs at RQ events
📝 Step 3: Get signed off on practical competencies
🏅 Step 4: Become a Level 1 Accredited BRO!