Officials

Many paddlesport disciplines require dedicated and competent officials to fulfill various functions at all levels of competition. Greater edmonton invites you to volunteer as an official at regattas. Many positions are very easily learned and there will be courses given throughout the year for those who wish to progress further. Each club should have a rulebook for you to borrow, the reading of which will enhance your knowledge of the sport and what the people in white are doing. For more information contact the Director of Officials.



Register for a course 

Get your Pleasure Craft Operators Card now! It is mandatory to operate a Safety or Referee Boat, and must be shown before acting as an official in these Roles.


The levels of accreditation a person requires to qualify for appointment as an Official are:

Level I (Club) - only members of one club participating, appointed/recruited by the club officials' representative

Level II (Local) - competitions within the Division, appointed/recruited by DOC;

Level III (Divisional/Provincial) - competitions within the Division/Province including the AB Summer Games, appointed/recruited by the DOC

Level IV (National) - national canoe/kayak championships, Canada Games, Western Canada Summer Games - appointment by the Sprint Racing Council upon recommendation of the NOC;

Level V (International) - international competitions such as the Olympic Games, World Championships - nominated by Canoe Kayak Canada 

Official's Certification


Each level has a set of skills and performance standards that must be evaluated before accreditation is granted. There are three phases to the process of gaining National Accreditation: written examination, oral examination, and practical assessment.

The minimum requirements to apply for the National Accredited Official examination are: be not less than 20 years of age or more than 65 years of age; successfully completed Level III, where applicable; have demonstrated competence at various roles as an on-land and/or on-water official.

List of officials 

Rick Hill

Level 3 Certified

Jeanette Watamaniuk

Level 2 Certified

John Brown

Level 2 Certified

Greg Poulin

Level 2 Certified

Connie Fardella

Level 2 Certified

Debra Stock

Level 2 Certified

Darin Stock

Level 2 Certified

Kelly Brown

Level 2 Certified

Mel Watamaniuk

Level 2 Certified 

Andree Bennett

Level 2 Certified

Hekmat Chama

Level 2 Certified

Naureen Swaleh

Level 2 Certified