Just recently we have noticed that several people who were UIM Race Officials have decide that it’s no longer a role they wish to pursue. So, we spoke to the UIM President Dr Raffaele Chiulli and Thomas Kurth, the UIM Secretary General about this and asked just how do you go about becoming a UIM Race Official?
‘With regards to the generational turnover within the UIM, it is no doubt a crucial aspect for a solid and sustainable development of our sport over time, both on and off the water.’
He continued by saying that.
‘Training and Education are two essential aspects for any Sports Federation and perhaps the occasion of our 100 Years Anniversary is an excellent occasion to put the focus of the organisation on reviewing and strengthening these two aspects within the UIM. We must make it appealing for persons of all ages that compose the powerboating community to take an active role in the delivery of powerboating events, be it at domestic or international level.’
Currently the UIM is composed of sixty-four member federations, who are the National Authorities in their country, and the UIM Officials are sourced from among those officials who assume powerboating officials’ duties at their national level. Every year, the UIM establishes a list of International Officers, composed of Officers of the Day (OOD) and International Jury Chairmen (IJC), and invites the member federations to supply the UIM office their list of OOD’s and IJC’s by no later than September 30.
The requirements for the enrolment of a candidate must include:
- a) a personal record (containing personal data, address, telephone, email and/or fax numbers).
- b) a working knowledge of English.
- c) the NA of the relevant candidate for O.O.D. and I.J.C. must be satisfied that they have had sufficient experience to officiate at a UIM International event.
In principle, only people enrolled in the UIM list are allowed to be appointed to the roles mentioned above and therefore to be appointed by their National Authority to perform such duties at international races valid for UIM titles.
The next stage would be to become a UIM Commissioner.
These people must have proven experience as a UIM race official or as a race official at national level, an example would be an O.O.D. who has been involved in the management of at least five race events.
Moreover, he or she must lead by example, promote the positive aspects of the sport, and promote fair play. Plus, they must have a particularly good knowledge of the rules and guidelines for the specific class they are appointed to. Be friendly, approachable, and accessible to the competitors and the local organiser throughout each day of the event and must avoid any conflict of interests. They must also be able to speak, understand and write good English; any additional language is an asset.
The UIM Commissioner needs to respect the UIM Code of Ethics. This Code is based on five ethical pillars that impose obligations in terms of respect and responsibility to competitors, teams, promoters, officials and all other UIM accredited persons: 1. Equality 2. Fair play 3. Respect 4. Integrity 5. Protection of the environment.
Perhaps everyone should also try to remember that all officials on UIM duty are there at the event on a voluntary basis and without them there would be no race.
