Umpiring Internationally

It’s not just athletes who can participate at international regattas. Umpires can work their way up a pathway as well.

There are two levels of international umpiring. Any RCA licensed umpire can serve as a National Technical Official (NTO) at international regattas or as a “referee” at US Rowing regattas.

“I would encourage any BC-based umpire to seek out opportunities to umpire outside of the country, either in the USA, or as an NTO at international regattas overseas,” says Rowing BC Umpire Committee Chair, Tim Henderson. “The only caveat is that they should obtain letters of support from the Rowing BC Umpire Committee and from RCA before making their request. This is to be able to satisfy the Organizing Committees that they are qualified umpires with sufficient experience to do a great job, and to be able to represent Canada and BC as excellent umpires.”

Several BC Umpires supported the World Rowing Championships in St. Catharines, ON this summer. Although on home soil, this was considered an international regatta because it was a World Championship. BC Umpires who served as NTOs at this event were Mike Bagshawe, Kris Davis, York Langerfeld, and Ge-an Rijniersce. NTOs are selected by the Organizing Committee of the event.

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The next level of umpiring is Level 5 or World Rowing Umpire. World Rowing was formerly known as FISA and some people still refer to this level as a “FISA Umpire”. In order to become a World Rowing Umpire, there is a written and practical exam to complete. RCA level 2, 3 or 4 umpires who want to progress to the World Rowing exam will need plenty of practical experience at a variety of regattas.

Once an umpire has passed the World Rowing Umpire exams, they are eligible to be selected by the World Rowing Umpire Commission to serve at a World Rowing Regatta. This appointment would be as an International Technical Official (ITO). This year, two BC Umpires served as ITOs. Tim Henderson was ITO at the St. Catharines World Rowing Championships. Ge-an Rijniersce was ITO at the World Rowing Coastal Championships and Beach Sprint Finals in Geona, Italy.

While some Organizing Committees make an effort to cover all costs for traveling umpires, the coverage does vary. Umpires may find themselves in a situation where they might choose to cover some of their travel cost in order to have a rewarding experience in an amazing location.

Pictured below is Ge-an Rijniersce working as Starter at the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals.

World Rowing requires that umpires pass their World Rowing exams by age 55 and retires umpire licenses at age 70. Retired World Rowing umpires are still able to participate in Canadian regattas.

BC’s complement of current World Rowing Umpires includes Andrew Cartwright, Kris Davis, Tim Henderson, Timmy Leung, and Ge-an Rijniersce.

Interested in starting or continuing on your umpiring pathway?

Check out the Become an RCA Umpire page on the Rowing BC Website, which includes links to a variety of resources, or contact the Rowing BC Umpire Committee.