UMPIRING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME Updated December 2016
INTRODUCTION The Royal Caledonian Curling Club has an Umpiring Development Programme with the aim of providing: The officials for domestic, national and international competitions, who have achieved a specified level of competence and experience The instructors to train the officials Such a programme has been in place for a number of years but in 2006 a major review was undertaken which resulted in a new more structured programme with 5 levels of certification. Whilst this was a step in the right direction, it was recognised by 2010 that a further review was required to reflect changes in the game e.g. use of Eye-on-the Hog, more emphasis on time clocks and in particular using computer technology, plus a revision of the criteria for each level to ensure they were both workable and achievable. An Umpire Programme Review Group was appointed by the Umpiring Committee and as a result a revised Umpiring Development Programme was produced and commenced from the start of the 2010-11 season. It has been in operation for 6 years and has now been updated in this current document to reflect changes in the sport as well as the varying degrees of commitments given by all those on the RCCC Umpiring List. The Umpiring Committee continues to encourage all umpires to assist by officiating at any one of the many invitational competitions held each season in Scotland or by volunteering to work at international championships as end-ice assistants or time clock operators. Recognition at either Level 1 or 2 within the Umpire Development Programme will be considered by the Umpiring Committee on application for those events if a Level 3 or above umpire is also officiating at them. Page 1 of 11
R.C.C.C. UMPIRING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME SUMMARY REFERENCE TABLE TO ACHIEVE LEVEL TO MAINTAIN LEVEL LEVEL 1 Course work (MINIMUM) Attendance at Umpire Course Practical 6 Sessions over 2 Competitions Max. Time Frame 2 years or 5 years if attend 1 refresher day Course work (MINIMUM) N/A Practical (MINIMUM) 6 Sessions over 2 Competitions Max. Time Frame years LEVEL 2 Attendance at day 8 Sessions over 2 Competitions 3 years Attendance at day 8 Sessions over 2 Competitions years LEVEL 3 Attendance at Advanced Course Competitions or s 5 years Attendance at day every 3 years Competitions or s 5 years LEVEL Attendance at day every 3 years s 5 years Attendance at day every 3 years s 5 years LEVEL 5 Attendance at day every 3 years s 5 years Attendance at day every 3 years s 5 years Page 2 of 11
LEVEL 1/2/3//5 (A) This category is awarded, on the recommendation of the Umpiring Committee, to those who are still actively involved in umpiring but have reduced their commitment from the level which they have attained through the Development Programme. It recognizes their experience and the value of that in continuing to assist at competitions and in the development other umpires. Ordinarily those considered would be reducing their commitment on the grounds of age and/or health but the Committee can consider other exceptional circumstances. Umpires awarded this category are not required to meet the criteria to maintain their current level but will continue to be included in all umpiring communications and welcome to participate in Refresher Days and any other training events organized. They will be recorded in the Programme as the Level which they attained 1/2/3//5 followed by (A) which will allow them to be describe themselves as an active Royal Club Umpire who has attained Level and is now involved in an advisory and supportive capacity. This will be applicable until such time they choose to stop umpiring or the Umpiring Committee determined they were no longer contributing to officiating in any capacity. If an umpire awarded this category wished at a later date to progress within the Programme again they would have to advise the Umpiring Committee and meet the appropriate criteria for the level they wished to obtain. Page 3 of 11
UMPIRE COURSE A one day course designed to give the skills to those wishing to achieve Level 1 and 2 certification after appropriate practical experience, but also offer an insight and greater understanding of the rules of the game for those playing/coaching in events where umpiring is very much part of the game COURSE STRUCTURE 1. The Rules of curling and their interpretation through use of scenarios 2. Use of equipment including radio handsets and stop watches etc. 3. Use of time clocks, stop watches, and record sheets. Checking of measuring equipment and correct procedures in their use 5. Hog line procedures and correct calling of violations 6. Code of dress and personal equipment 7. Completion of assessment test Page of 11
LEVEL 1 ASSISTANT GAME UMPIRE AND TIME CLOCK OPERATOR The Level 1 certification is designed to develop the skills required to officiate as a time clock operator and/or an assistant game umpire at curling competitions. To achieve Level 1 an umpire shall require to have: 1. Satisfactory attendance at an UMPIRE COURSE prior to undertaking practical work. (An equivalent WCF Course will be equally valid on the understanding of an awareness of the differences between the RCCC and WCF rule books) 2. Undertaken Practical work which shall consist of working in either role a minimum of six sessions from at least two R.C.C.C. (or WCF) competitions within a two year period* of successfully attending the Umpire Course. Certification: Umpires completing both component parts successfully shall be awarded a Level 1 Certificate which shall be valid for a period of four years from the date of issue. To maintain Level 1: 1. During that period of four years a minimum of six sessions from at least two R.C.C.C. competitions must be worked, unless working in a role at a higher level. Note: *Those attending an UMPIRE COURSE but not undertaking any practical work at Level 1 within the stipulated two years may do so any time within five years from date of attendance on condition they attend a Refresher Day before seeking certification. Any who wish to do so after that time will require re-attendance at the full course. Page 5 of 11
LEVEL 2 GAME UMPIRE (Hog Line Official, Measuring and Decision Making) The Level 2 certification is designed to recognise the additional knowledge and experience of the umpire as well as responsibility of being involved in decision making. To achieve Level 2 an umpire shall require to have: 1. Worked a minimum of eight sessions from at least two R.C.C.C. competitions as a Game Umpire under the supervision of an RCCC appointed Chief Umpire within a period of three years. Certification: On successful completion of this a Level 2 Certificate shall be awarded which shall be valid for a period of four years from the date of issue. To maintain Level 2: 1. During that period of four years a minimum of eight sessions from at least two R.C.C.C. competitions must be worked, unless working in a role at a higher level. 2. Attend a minimum of one Refresher Day. Page 6 of 11
ADVANCED UMPIRE COURSE A one day course designed to give the skills to those wishing to achieve Level 3 certification after appropriate practical experience. 1. A more in depth review of the Rules of curling and their interpretation through use of scenarios 2. Role of Timing Supervisor 3. Competition organization. Competition administration type, draw, ice allocation, and tie breaks, results, ranking 5. Team meeting and umpires meeting prior to competitions. 6. Working with teams and coaches 7. Competition reporting 8. Completion of assessment test Page 7 of 11
LEVEL 3 TIMING SUPERVISOR, DEPUTY CHIEF UMPIRE, CHIEF UMPIRE The Level 3 certification is designed to recognise the greater responsibility, knowledge and skills required to umpire in a supervisory positions at R.C.C.C. competitions. To achieve Level 3 an umpire shall require to have: 1. Satisfactory attendance at an ADVANCED UMPIRE COURSE 2. Attendance at a minimum of one Refresher Day since Level 2 certification was awarded 3. Satisfactory completion of officiating at a minimum of four competitions from the following list (any combination) within a period of five years: TIMING SUPERVISOR DEPUTY CHIEF UMPIRE CHIEF UMPIRE Finals of Scottish Men s Scottish Women s Scottish Junior Scottish Mixed Doubles Finals of Scottish Men s Scottish Women s Scottish Junior Scottish Mixed Doubles Page 8 of 11 Qualifying Competitions for Scottish Men s Scottish Women s Scottish Junior European s Qualifying (where applicable) and Finals of Scottish Mixed Scottish Seniors: Men, Women and Mixed Scottish Pairs Scottish Masters Scottish Schools Rinks s including Double Rinks National Province
Junior Challenge *Junior Slams (Under 21) Henderson Bishop All RCCC Wheelchair s Certification: On successful completion of this a Level 3 Certificate shall be awarded which shall be valid for a period of five years from the date of issue. To maintain Level 3: 1. During that period of five years a minimum of four competitions from the list above (any combination) must be worked, unless working in a role at a higher level 2. Attend a minimum of one refresher day every three years. Notes: The format of the European Qualifying Playdowns can vary from season to season. The Committee will determine once the qualifying process is known whether credit for officiating will be given at either Level 3 or Level /5 for that particular season. *Under 1 and Under 17 Slams are credited for CU as level 2. Page 9 of 11
LEVEL CHIEF UMPIRE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS, GAME UMPIRE AND CHIEF TIMING SUPERVISOR AT INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS The Level certification is designed to recognise the greater responsibility, knowledge and skills required to umpire in a supervisory positions at the major R.C.C.C. National s as well as those, on the recommendation of the RCCC, who are invited to officiate as Game Umpires by the WCF at its s. To achieve Level an umpire shall require to have: 1. Attendance at a minimum of one Refresher Day every three years since Level 3 certification was awarded 2. Satisfactory completion of officiating at a minimum of four competitions from the following list (at least one from each category) within a period of five years: CHIEF UMPIRE (National) GAME UMPIRE (International) Finals of Scottish Men s Scottish Women s Scottish Junior Scottish Mixed Doubles Appointed by the World Curling Federation (WCF) to officiate as a Game Umpire or Chief Timing Supervisor at All s and Winter Games 3. Assisted in running of an RCCC UMPIRE COURSE or REFRESHER DAY. Certification: On successful completion of this a Level Certificate shall be awarded which shall be valid for a period of five years from the date of issue. To maintain Level : 1. During that period of five years a minimum of four competitions from the list above (at least one from each category) must be worked, unless working in a role at a higher level 2. Attend a minimum of one Refresher Day every three years. 3. Assist in running of an RCCC UMPIRE COURSE or REFRESHER DAY. Page 10 of 11
LEVEL 5 CHIEF UMPIRE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS, DEPUTY CHIEF UMPIRE AND CHIEF UMPIRE AT INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS The Level 5 certification is designed to recognise those who are able to officiate at any level within the RCCC but also at the invitation of the WCF as a Deputy Chief Umpire or Chief Umpire at its s. To achieve Level 5 an umpire shall require to have: 1. Attendance at a minimum of one Refresher Day every three years since Level 3 certification was awarded 2. Satisfactory completion of officiating at a minimum of four competitions from the following list (at least one from each category) within a period of five years. 3. Assisted in running of an RCCC ADVANCED UMPIRE COURSE or REFRESHER DAY. CHIEF UMPIRE (National) DEPUTY CHIEF UMPIRE or CHIEF UMPIRE (International) Finals of Scottish Men s Scottish Women s Scottish Junior Scottish Mixed Doubles Appointed by the World Curling Federation (WCF) to officiate as a Deputy Chief Umpire or Chief Umpire at All s and Winter Games Certification: On successful completion of this a Level 5 Certificate shall be awarded which shall be valid for a period of five years from the date of issue. To maintain Level 5: 1. During that period of five years a minimum of four competitions from the list above (at least one from each category) must be worked. 2. Attend a minimum of two Refresher Days. 3. Assist in running of an RCCC ADVANCED UMPIRE COURSE or REFRESHER DAY. Page 11 of 11