• Oceania Technical Official Scheme (OTOS) 

The main purpose of OTOS is to provide people with little or no experience in the sport with a basic knowledge of the requirements to enable them to conduct the various events in athletics. The course components are suitable for teachers, coaches, parents and other volunteers wishing to assist with the delivery of Athletics for all ages. 

Any person who successfully completes all five modules will have a very thorough knowledge of the basic rules and requirements to officiate on a wide range of events at most athletic competitions and would have satisfied all the prerequisites to complete the WARECS NAR Level online program. 

For further information please click the World Athletics eLearning Hub link or contact OAA on anthony@oceaniaathletics.com  

• World Athletics Referee Education Certification System (WARECS) 

WARECS aims to develop competent Technical Officials capable of officiating at various levels of athletics competitions. The system focuses on cultivating consistency in basic officiating skills, fostering the qualities and competencies of Technical Officials, and introducing participants to the World Athletics Competition Rules and Technical Rules. The program encourages practical interpretation and application of these rules while emphasising the ethical and moral development of Technical Officials. 

• WARECS – National Athletics Referee (NAR) Level 

The NAR is the entrance qualification to officiating athletics. This blended course aims to develop competent officials capable of officiating at local, regional, national, and, on occasion, international competitions within their country. The course comprises 23 online modules, an online quiz and practical experience. It focuses on cultivating consistency in basic officiating skills, fostering the qualities and competencies of Technical Officials, and introducing participants to the World Athletics Competition Rules and Technical Rules. The program encourages practical interpretation and application of these rules while emphasising the ethical and moral development of Technical Officials. 

The NAR is organised by Area Associations and Member Federations. 

However, for individuals who access and complete the online modules independently, they have the option to contact their Member Federation to arrange their practical experience. 

For further information please click the World Athletics eLearning Hub link or contact OAA on anthony@oceaniaathletics.com

• WARECS – Bronze Level (WARB) 

The Bronze Level Athletics Referee program allows candidates to become World Athletics Referees at this level through proposals by MF/Area Associations. Candidates must have at least 3 years’ experience as a NAR and be at least 19 years old. To become a Bronze Level Athletics Referee candidates will need to complete online education and an online evaluation. The education and evaluation will be available in multiple languages, and successful candidates must participate in relevant roles in agreed competitions. Once qualified, Bronze-level Referees maintain their status for life, subject to removal for misconduct or lack of ongoing competence. They have opportunities to serve as Technical Delegates in certain international events on their territory, receive education from their Area Association and World Athletics, and undergo continuous evaluation based on their performance in various roles and competitions. 

The Bronze Level Athletics Referee program is organised by World Athletics with support from Area Associations and Member Federations. 

For further information please click the World Athletics eLearning Hub link or contact OAA on anthony@oceaniaathletics.com

• WARECS – Silver Level Referee 

The Silver Level Athletics Referee requires candidates to have at least 4 years of experience as a World Athletics Referee – Bronze Level and be at least 23 years old. To progress to this level, Referees must demonstrate proficiency in managing events, handling protests, and explaining decisions. The two-part evaluations are conducted online in English, French, Spanish every two years by World Athletics in conjunction with the Areas. From 2024, exams count for 70% of the evaluation, with the remaining 30% based on credits obtained in the three years before evaluation.  Successful Silver-level Referees maintain their qualification for eight years, subject to ongoing evaluations, and they also serve as Technical Delegates in international events. They must keep a high level of technical knowledge and participate in designated courses and educational initiatives.  

The Silver Level Athletics Referee program is organised by World Athletics with support from Area Associations and Member Federations. 

For further information please click the World Athletics eLearning Hub link or contact OAA on anthony@oceaniaathletics.com

• WARECS – Gold Level Referee 

The Gold Level Athletics Referee is the highest level of officiating in athletics. To become a World Athletics Referee – Gold level, candidates must meet specific criteria. Each Area can propose a maximum of eight officials for evaluation as World Athletics Referees – Silver level and be at least 27 years old. Progression from Silver to gold level requires the Referee to demonstrate exceptional ability in managing events, understanding protests and articulating decisions effectively in English. Attaining the Gold level signifies the highest standard of competence and expertise in officiating athletics competitions. The evaluation contains two parts; the online examination conducted in English, French and Spanish; and the presentation conducted in English only. 

The Gold Level Athletics Referee program is organised by World Athletics with support from Area Associations and Member Federations. 

For further information please click the World Athletics eLearning Hub link or contact OAA on anthony@oceaniaathletics.com 

• Race Walks – Bronze Level 

For further information or if you wish to attend Race Walks – Bronze Level evaluation, please contact your Member Federation or OAA at anthony@oceaniaathletics.com

• Race Walks – Silver Level 

For further information or if you wish to attend a Race Walks – Silver Level evaluation, please contact your Member Federation or OAA at anthony@oceaniaathletics.com