Speed Skating Canada

OFFICIALS

Speed skating would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of volunteer officials, both on and off the ice. Learn more about the training and certification program officials must follow to ensure a safe and fair environment for our skaters.

OFFICIATING PRINCIPLES

Leadership and Guidance: An official provides leadership and guidance, facilitating and ensuring that our competitions are conducted in a safe, fair environment in accordance with the rules.

Objectivity and Impartiality: An official is impartial and objectively evaluates both their own actions and decisions as well as the actions and decisions of others.

Growth and Learning: An official works towards a deeper understanding of our sport, fostering growth, development and learning for themselves and others.

Types of Officials

There are many different types of officials needed to run a successful and fair competition, including positions that are on-ice and off-ice. Read about the different types of officials to learn what each of them do during a speed skating competition.

 

The Referee is the Chief Executive Officer of the competition and is responsible for dealing with all points of dispute and infringements of the rules. Previous experience in another officiating role or as a skater, along with leadership skills, are all valuable assets for a Referee.

 

The Starter is the individual who ensures each race of a competition gets off to a fair and equal start, using the commands “go to the start” and “ready” to cue the skaters before firing the gun to begin the race. Starters must remain calm and deliver consistent start instructions throughout the entire competition.

 

The Meet Coordinator is responsible for the organization of the meet, which includes verifying entries, setting the program of events and distributing the results. Meet Coordinators are extremely detail oriented and must have a good understanding of competition timing and flow.

 

The Competitor Steward/Sport Expert– in collaboration with the Meet Coordinator and Chief Referee –prepares the various rounds of racing throughout the competition, ensuring that the right skaters are assigned to the right race. Accuracy, speed and remaining calm under pressure are all assets for this role. At the national level, Competitor Stewards are assigned to short track events while Sport Experts execute a similar role in long track.

 

The role of the Timer is to accurately time the skaters participating in a race, using a manual timer or stopwatch. This information is used to determine the advancement of skaters in the competition. For competitions with an electronic timing system in place, these manual times are used as backups.

 

The Finish Line Judge determines the order in which skaters cross the finish line in a race. Skaters are often bunched closely together at the finish line, so this task requires undivided attention. For competitions with an electronic timing system in place, the Finish Line Judge’s determination is used as a backup.

 

The Announcer provides those in attendance – including athletes, coaches, spectators and other officials – with important program details and updates. They may also provide spectators with play-by-play style commentary during the races. An Announcer should have a good speaking voice and an outgoing personality to get the crowd engaged.

 

The Lap Recorder informs the skaters and officials of the number of laps left to be skated in a race and rings a bell when there is only one lap to go. They are tasked with tracking each skater or relay team, including any lapped skater(s), to ensure everyone completes the correct number of laps for a given distance.

 

A Track Steward is an on-ice official responsible for replacing missing blocks on the corners of the track and any other duties as directed by the Referee. Between races, this often includes fixing imperfections on the ice and squeegeeing water onto the track.

 

The Heat Box Steward, a role specific to short track, is responsible for ensuring that the proper skaters (based on names and numbers) are ready for their upcoming race. They have great influence on the orderly and smooth running of a competition.

 

The Clerk of the Course, a role specific to long track, is responsible for ensuring that the proper skaters (based on names) are ready for their upcoming race and are wearing the correct armband. They have great influence on the orderly and smooth running of a competition.

Certification Program

Our comprehensive Officials’ Certification Program is designed to produce uniformity in officiating across the country. The program outlines the various certification levels each type of official can earn – five levels for Referees and Starters and three levels for all other officials – and what they must do to become certified at a given level.

At each level, candidates must complete a specific technical course, gather practical knowledge and competition experience under the supervision of senior officials, and meet certain performance requirements, such as satisfactory evaluations, before earning their certification.

Learn more about the Officials Pathway
 

Upon completion of the requirements for a given level, officials can request an upgrade to Speed Skating Canada. The request is reviewed and, upon verification of having met the requirements outlined in the Officials Pathway, the official is certified at the new level.

Apply for an Officials Upgrade

OFFICIALS ROSTER

There are many different types of officials needed to run a successful and fair competition, including positions that are on-ice and off-ice. Officiating careers often begin at the club level, but with the right skills and proper training, officials could go on to represent Canada on the international stage, including at the Olympic Games.

ISU

NAME ROLE
Yves Michaud Starter (ST)
Stuart Gibbs Referee (ST)
Roger Cole Starter (ST)
Rocky Lamontagne Starter (ST)
Richard Theriault Competitor Steward (ST)
Rhona Hathaway Referee (LT)
Philippe Marois Referee (LT)
Moyca Stoffel Referee (LT)
Michel Dumont Referee (ST)
Kim Fraunberger Starter (LT)
Dany Lemay Referee (ST)
Claire Loberg Competitor Steward (ST)
Blair Toblan Starter (LT)
NAME
Yves Michaud
ROLE
Starter (ST)
NAME
Stuart Gibbs
ROLE
Referee (ST)
NAME
Roger Cole
ROLE
Starter (ST)
NAME
Rocky Lamontagne
ROLE
Starter (ST)
NAME
Richard Theriault
ROLE
Competitor Steward (ST)
NAME
Rhona Hathaway
ROLE
Referee (LT)
NAME
Philippe Marois
ROLE
Referee (LT)
NAME
Moyca Stoffel
ROLE
Referee (LT)
NAME
Michel Dumont
ROLE
Referee (ST)
NAME
Kim Fraunberger
ROLE
Starter (LT)
NAME
Dany Lemay
ROLE
Referee (ST)
NAME
Claire Loberg
ROLE
Competitor Steward (ST)
NAME
Blair Toblan
ROLE
Starter (LT)
NAME ROLE
Andrée-Anne Gagnon Referee (LT)
Andrew Cross Starter (ST/LT)
Brad Bates Starter (LT)
Brent Thompson Referee (LT)
Candace Clouthier Starter (LT)
Carmen Cameron Referee (LT)
Caroline Truchon Referee (ST)
Carolyn MacKay Starter (ST)
Chris Gauthier Referee (ST)
Danielle Lavoie Competitor Steward (ST) / Sport Expert (LT)
Dave Thomson Referee (LT)
Denis Lemay Referee (ST)
Gregg Planert Referee (LT)
Gregg Planert Sport Expert (LT)
Hans Terstappen Starter (ST/LT)
Jacky Shoebridge Referee (ST)
Jacqueline Fackoury Starter (ST)
Jason Coutu Competitor Steward (ST) / Sport Expert (LT)
Jean-Philippe Lemay Competitor Steward (ST)
Jocelyn Fraser Starter (ST)
John Muller Starter (LT)
Marc Poulin Starter (LT)
Mario Hardy Referee (LT)
Melanie Winters Referee (LT)
Michael Makowsky Starter (LT)
Myron Pearman Starter (LT)
Olivier Levesque Referee (ST)
Paul Woodall Starter (LT)
Rick Hunt Referee (LT)
Robin Greig Referee (ST)
Sue Steckle Competitor Steward (ST) / Sport Expert (LT)
Sylvain Bouchard Referee (ST)
Tina Peters Competitor Steward (ST) / Sport Expert (LT)
Tom Lipsett Starter (LT)
Wim Kok Referee (LT)
Yves Michaud Starter (LT)
Yvon Tremblay Referee (ST)
NAME
Andrée-Anne Gagnon
ROLE
Referee (LT)
NAME
Andrew Cross
ROLE
Starter (ST/LT)
NAME
Brad Bates
ROLE
Starter (LT)
NAME
Brent Thompson
ROLE
Referee (LT)
NAME
Candace Clouthier
ROLE
Starter (LT)
NAME
Carmen Cameron
ROLE
Referee (LT)
NAME
Caroline Truchon
ROLE
Referee (ST)
NAME
Carolyn MacKay
ROLE
Starter (ST)
NAME
Chris Gauthier
ROLE
Referee (ST)
NAME
Danielle Lavoie
ROLE
Competitor Steward (ST) / Sport Expert (LT)
NAME
Dave Thomson
ROLE
Referee (LT)
NAME
Denis Lemay
ROLE
Referee (ST)
NAME
Gregg Planert
ROLE
Referee (LT)
NAME
Gregg Planert
ROLE
Sport Expert (LT)
NAME
Hans Terstappen
ROLE
Starter (ST/LT)
NAME
Jacky Shoebridge
ROLE
Referee (ST)
NAME
Jacqueline Fackoury
ROLE
Starter (ST)
NAME
Jason Coutu
ROLE
Competitor Steward (ST) / Sport Expert (LT)
NAME
Jean-Philippe Lemay
ROLE
Competitor Steward (ST)
NAME
Jocelyn Fraser
ROLE
Starter (ST)
NAME
John Muller
ROLE
Starter (LT)
NAME
Marc Poulin
ROLE
Starter (LT)
NAME
Mario Hardy
ROLE
Referee (LT)
NAME
Melanie Winters
ROLE
Referee (LT)
NAME
Michael Makowsky
ROLE
Starter (LT)
NAME
Myron Pearman
ROLE
Starter (LT)
NAME
Olivier Levesque
ROLE
Referee (ST)
NAME
Paul Woodall
ROLE
Starter (LT)
NAME
Rick Hunt
ROLE
Referee (LT)
NAME
Robin Greig
ROLE
Referee (ST)
NAME
Sue Steckle
ROLE
Competitor Steward (ST) / Sport Expert (LT)
NAME
Sylvain Bouchard
ROLE
Referee (ST)
NAME
Tina Peters
ROLE
Competitor Steward (ST) / Sport Expert (LT)
NAME
Tom Lipsett
ROLE
Starter (LT)
NAME
Wim Kok
ROLE
Referee (LT)
NAME
Yves Michaud
ROLE
Starter (LT)
NAME
Yvon Tremblay
ROLE
Referee (ST)
NAME ROLE
Amélie Ouellet Referee (ST)
Blair Toblan Starter (ST)
Bruce Kemp Starter (LT)
Bruce Thorpe Referee (ST/LT)
Claude Limoges Starter (ST)
David Stewart Referee (ST)
Donna Bilous Referee (ST)
Emmanuelle Pare Sport Expert (LT)
Eric Beauchesne Referee (ST)
Jeff Cross Referee (ST)
Jeff Wang Referee (ST)
Kim Fraunberger Starter (ST)
Louis Desjardins Starter (ST)
Marc McGee Referee (LT)
Marc Poulin Starter (ST)
Mario Hardy Referee (ST)
Nathalie Duchesne Referee (ST)
Nicole Cooney Competitor Steward (ST)
Nicole Van Lierop Competitor Steward (ST)
Paul Chateau Starter (LT)
Vanessa Larouche Starter (ST)
NAME
Amélie Ouellet
ROLE
Referee (ST)
NAME
Blair Toblan
ROLE
Starter (ST)
NAME
Bruce Kemp
ROLE
Starter (LT)
NAME
Bruce Thorpe
ROLE
Referee (ST/LT)
NAME
Claude Limoges
ROLE
Starter (ST)
NAME
David Stewart
ROLE
Referee (ST)
NAME
Donna Bilous
ROLE
Referee (ST)
NAME
Emmanuelle Pare
ROLE
Sport Expert (LT)
NAME
Eric Beauchesne
ROLE
Referee (ST)
NAME
Jeff Cross
ROLE
Referee (ST)
NAME
Jeff Wang
ROLE
Referee (ST)
NAME
Kim Fraunberger
ROLE
Starter (ST)
NAME
Louis Desjardins
ROLE
Starter (ST)
NAME
Marc McGee
ROLE
Referee (LT)
NAME
Marc Poulin
ROLE
Starter (ST)
NAME
Mario Hardy
ROLE
Referee (ST)
NAME
Nathalie Duchesne
ROLE
Referee (ST)
NAME
Nicole Cooney
ROLE
Competitor Steward (ST)
NAME
Nicole Van Lierop
ROLE
Competitor Steward (ST)
NAME
Paul Chateau
ROLE
Starter (LT)
NAME
Vanessa Larouche
ROLE
Starter (ST)
NAME ROLE
Alison Wigelsworth Competitor Steward (ST) / Sport Expert (LT)
Amanda Leonard Referee (ST/LT)
Andrea MacIntosh Referee (ST/LT)
Andrea Tyrell Competitor Steward (ST)
Audrée Gagnon Referee (ST)
Bernard Després Referee (ST/LT)
Blair Chapman Starter (ST)
Brent Thompson Referee (ST)
Brian Cole Starter (ST)
Cedric Perron Referee (ST)
Charlie Smith Starter (ST/LT)
Chris Stone Referee (ST)
Daniel Langevin Referee (ST)
David Gilday Referee (ST)
Doug Wright Starter (ST)
Emmanuelle Pare Competitor Steward (ST)
Eric Lecompte Referee (ST)
Fanny Michaud Competitor Steward (ST) / Sport Expert (LT)
Jason Bettez Starter (ST/LT)
Jean-Patrice Tremblay Starter (ST)
Jill Mark Starter (ST/LT)
Kari Rae Competitor Steward (ST) / Sport Expert (LT)
Ken George Starter (ST)
Louis Forget Referee (ST)
Marcel Berube Starter (ST/LT)
Marcel Legros Referee (ST)
Michel Pageau Starter (ST)
Michelle Chabot Competitor Steward (ST)
Nico Pelletier Competitor Steward (ST)
Paul Woodall Starter (ST)
Rejean Poitras Starter (ST/LT)
Robert Makowsky Starter (ST)
Sandra Grenier-Howell Referee (ST)
Shauna Leigh Van Lierop Referee (ST)
Thomas McLennan Referee (ST)
Tim Hartel Starter
Tony Hanson Starter (LT)
Tracy Leipsic Starter (ST/LT)
NAME
Alison Wigelsworth
ROLE
Competitor Steward (ST) / Sport Expert (LT)
NAME
Amanda Leonard
ROLE
Referee (ST/LT)
NAME
Andrea MacIntosh
ROLE
Referee (ST/LT)
NAME
Andrea Tyrell
ROLE
Competitor Steward (ST)
NAME
Audrée Gagnon
ROLE
Referee (ST)
NAME
Bernard Després
ROLE
Referee (ST/LT)
NAME
Blair Chapman
ROLE
Starter (ST)
NAME
Brent Thompson
ROLE
Referee (ST)
NAME
Brian Cole
ROLE
Starter (ST)
NAME
Cedric Perron
ROLE
Referee (ST)
NAME
Charlie Smith
ROLE
Starter (ST/LT)
NAME
Chris Stone
ROLE
Referee (ST)
NAME
Daniel Langevin
ROLE
Referee (ST)
NAME
David Gilday
ROLE
Referee (ST)
NAME
Doug Wright
ROLE
Starter (ST)
NAME
Emmanuelle Pare
ROLE
Competitor Steward (ST)
NAME
Eric Lecompte
ROLE
Referee (ST)
NAME
Fanny Michaud
ROLE
Competitor Steward (ST) / Sport Expert (LT)
NAME
Jason Bettez
ROLE
Starter (ST/LT)
NAME
Jean-Patrice Tremblay
ROLE
Starter (ST)
NAME
Jill Mark
ROLE
Starter (ST/LT)
NAME
Kari Rae
ROLE
Competitor Steward (ST) / Sport Expert (LT)
NAME
Ken George
ROLE
Starter (ST)
NAME
Louis Forget
ROLE
Referee (ST)
NAME
Marcel Berube
ROLE
Starter (ST/LT)
NAME
Marcel Legros
ROLE
Referee (ST)
NAME
Michel Pageau
ROLE
Starter (ST)
NAME
Michelle Chabot
ROLE
Competitor Steward (ST)
NAME
Nico Pelletier
ROLE
Competitor Steward (ST)
NAME
Paul Woodall
ROLE
Starter (ST)
NAME
Rejean Poitras
ROLE
Starter (ST/LT)
NAME
Robert Makowsky
ROLE
Starter (ST)
NAME
Sandra Grenier-Howell
ROLE
Referee (ST)
NAME
Shauna Leigh Van Lierop
ROLE
Referee (ST)
NAME
Thomas McLennan
ROLE
Referee (ST)
NAME
Tim Hartel
ROLE
Starter
NAME
Tony Hanson
ROLE
Starter (LT)
NAME
Tracy Leipsic
ROLE
Starter (ST/LT)

OFFICIALS DEVELOPMENT

We are committed to the continued training and development of our officials both on and off the ice, which is accomplished through clinics, professional development and educational opportunities, as well as national recognition initiatives.

Clinics

Speed Skating Canada, along with our provincial and territorial organizations and the International Skating Union, coordinates ongoing training opportunities for officials. These clinics allow officials to hone their skills, remain up-to-date with the newest rule changes and stay informed of evolving officiating techniques.

  • Level 1 clinics are organized by PTSOs
  • Level 2 clinics are organized by PTSOs
  • Level 3 clinics are organized by SSC, or by PTSOs if there is enough regional interest
  • ISU International Level clinics are jointly organized by the ISU and SSC
  • ISU Level clinics are jointly organized by the ISU and SSC
Find an officiating clinic near you

Professional Development

Officials are encouraged (and in some cases required) to complete a variety of online e-learning modules and courses as professional development and continuing education. This ensures that they can contribute to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for participants at all levels of our sport.

 

Officials certified at Level 3 or higher are required to complete safe sport training and Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders meets this requirement. This online course helps educate officials to recognize, understand and respond to issues of bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination (BAHD).

This course is highly recommended for officials at all levels and some form of safe sport training is required for officials certified at Level 3 or higher.

Complete Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders
 

This e-learning module on Safe Sport, developed by the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC), will help anyone involved in sport – including officials – to promote physical, psychological and social health, in line with the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport.

This course is highly recommended for officials at all levels and some form of safe sport training is required for officials certified at Level 3 or higher. You will need an NCCP number – which can be created for free through The Locker – to access this module.

Complete Safe Sport Training
 

Officials certified at Level 3 or higher are required to complete Making Head Way in Speed Skating. This e-learning module on concussion awareness, developed by the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC), will help officials gain the knowledge and skills required to ensure the safety of participants.

This course is highly recommended for officials at all levels and is required for officials certified at Level 3 or higher. You will need an NCCP number – which can be created for free through The Locker – to access this module.

Complete Making Head Way in Speed Skating

Recognition

We have various programs in place to recognize the contributions and efforts made by our officials, who volunteer their time both on and off the ice to ensure a safe and fair competition environment for all participants.

 

Speed Skating Canada has two annual awards that are given out to deserving officials nominated by members of the Canadian speed skating community.

Learn more about SSC’s Officials Awards
 

The Officials Recognition Pin Program acknowledges the long-term contributions and efforts of our officials, honouring them for their distinguished service. Officials Recognition Pins are distributed by local clubs and PTSOs for years of service as an active official.

Order your Officials Recognition Pins

 

Gold 20 Years
Silver 15 Years
Bronze 10 Years
Charcoal 5 Years

OFFICIALS RESOURCES

Documents

Canadian speed skating officials can access relevant and up-to-date documents and tools through our Resource Library, which includes:

  • Officiating Manuals
  • Officiating Forms
  • Evaluation Forms
  • Upgrade Forms
  • Officials Assignments
  • Red Book
  • Equipment Visuals

Partner Resources

In addition to Speed Skating Canada resources, officials can access more information and training tools through our partners’ websites:

Videos

Officials can also access a variety of speed skating videos on Speed Skating Canada’ YouTube channel, including competition footage, athlete profiles and the Up to Speed series, which provides tips on how to master technical skills. You’ll also find educational videos listed on our channel from partners such as the International Skating Union.

Questions

If you are looking for a resource that is not available in the Resource Library, or if you have questions about officiating, please reach out to us.