Umpire Qualification Requirements

 
RYA awards two qualifications for umpires, Regional Umpire (RU) and RYA National Umpire (NU).  The International Umpire (IU) qualification is awarded by World Sailing.   

All RYA umpire qualifications are held for four years, after which time an application for renewal must be made. Applicants must be:

  • Members of the RYA
  • Age 18 or over for National Umpire; 16 or over for RYA Umpire
  • An experienced racing sailor
  • An email user with internet access
  • UK passport holder (or have principal residence in the UK).
  • Hold a VHF short-range certificate (For National only) and at least Powerboat Level 2.

The table below provides a summary of the Umpire qualification requirements. For all qualification requirements in more detail, please view our competency document.

Requirement

Regional Umpire

National Umpire

 

Initial

Renewal

Initial

Renewal

Course

Introduction to Umpiring

Not required

National

Not required

 

Examination

 

Not required

 

Not required

 

Exam

(National Initial)

 

Exam
(National Renewal) 

If the exam is unavailable, a Performance Assessment will be required.

Performance Assessment

Not required

 Assessed to RU standard

Assessed to NU Standard

Not required

Experience

2 events

4 events

4 major events

4 major events

VHF Certificate

Not required

Not required

Yes

Yes

Powerboat Qualification

PB 2

PB 2

PB 2

PB 2

 

References 

 

1

 

Not required

 

2

 

Not required

Conference

Not required

Yes

Not required

Yes

References must be from the events given on the application form. 

Attendance at a course of the same level is an acceptable in place of conference attendance.

RYA National Umpires who gain the International qualification (with MNA affiliation as GBR), will be re-appointed without further application until their International qualification lapses.  After it lapses, they will be re-appointed as a National Umpire for one year. All other international officials must reapply for renew at the end of their term.

Performance assessment

A performance assessment is conducted by an RYA approved assessor, for a list, please contact RaceOfficials@rya.org.uk. The assessor will either recommend that the applicant apply for Regional or National status, or that more experience is needed before application. In all cases the assessor will provide feedback on performance. 

The Umpire application form, reference form and performance assessment can be found here.