Obstacle Sports Canada utilises the The World Obstacle judge certification framework. This frame work applies across 3 technical pathways:
- OCR Cross Country (XC)
- OCR Track (100m, 400m)
- Ninja: Endurance, Speed, Track (Ninja v Ninja)
Each level from 1-3 requires an exam and all requisite experiences.
Judge certification for Pentathlon obstacle disciplines is included in the World Pentathlon Judge Certification Program (JCP) .
Level 1 – Assistant Judge (AJ): Holders of a Level 1 License are Technical Officials (TO) who are eligible to officiate at national competitions according to the national local regulations. In international competitions, they are allowed to perform the role of Obstacle and Arrival Judges. This level is common for all technical pathways.
Level 2 – Judge (J): Holders of a Level 2 Licence are National Technical Officials (NTO) who are eligible to officiate international competitions as the Timekeeper, the Secretary, the Lane/Sector Judge, the Clerk of Course, and the Starter. There are 3 technical pathways: OCR Cross Country, OCR Track, and Ninja.
Level 3 – International Judge (IJ): Holders of a Level 3 License are International technical officials (ITOs) who are eligible to officiate international competitions under the Race Director. There are 3 technical pathways: OCR Cross Country, OCR Track, and Ninja.
Level 3+ - Senior International Judge (SIJ): FISO SIJs are Senior International technical officials (SITOs) who are nominated under technical parameters and annually selected from the best Level 3 IJs based upon the previous two seasons. The selected judges will be part of a list prepared by the FISO Technical Officials Committee
FISO Technical Delegates (TD): TDs are Senior International Technical Officials (SIJs) who may be appointed by the Event or Competition Director for managing TOs at international competitions. TDs work alongside the Race Directors.
Officials Development Courses
World Obstacle supports and facilitates training for judges in compliance with international sport and Games requirements. World Obstacle has judges on all continents, first developed for obstacle medal events at the 2019 Southeast Asia Games, recognized by the International Olympic Committee.
We train educators so national federations can implement the programme, certify and manage judges and officials in their country. Certified judges can work at Continental and World Championship, World Cups and World Series events to develop experience towards becoming International Judges.