UMPIRES EXAMS

 

Umpires Exams are open to any member of a club affiliated to the IARU. They are held annually in each of the four provinces normally between November and February.

For those sitting the exam for the first time the format is as follows :

Seminar : The seminar which generally takes approximately 90 mins is a general run through the duties of a starter, umpire and judge.  All aspects of an umpires duties are covered and this portion of the exam is invaluable in the later sections.

Exam Paper : This is a multiple choice paper with 25 questions. There are three answers to each scenario given. None, one, two or three of the answers may be correct. You must circle all correct answers on the answer paper provided. Most of the questions are based on the rules for Competitive Rowing but candidates should be familiar with all sections of the rule book. A pass mark of 70% is required to permit candidates to proceed to the practical. There is no time limit for completing the examination paper.

Practical : Having scored over 70% on the exam paper you will be invited to participate in the practical. This consists of a simulated course on which you and a maximum of two others will be asked to align, start, umpire or judge. The examiners will be judging you on how you act in each scenario they pose. A good knowledge of the rules combined with the ability to make rational and fair decisions is required.

Having passed the examination, candidates who score highly on the exam paper and are considered to have the confidence to commence umpiring on their own are awarded full licences.  More commonly however successful candidates are awarded "provisional" licences.  This means that the holder must officiate at a minimum of two regattas under the supervision of a licenced umpire to obtain their licence. If the provisional holder fails to officiate at two regattas under supervision the licence lapses and the entire examination must again be undertaken in a subsequent year.

Licences are valid for a period of five years.  To renew ones licence, the holder must attend a seminar and score 70% on the exam paper.

For further information on umpires exams contact  Kieran.Kerr@aon.ie