Unit of competency details

Release 

Comments 

1

Replaces but is not equivalent to SISSOGP301A Conduct games or competitions.

Title changed to better reflect the intent of the unit. Competency outcome changed. Content modified to focus solely on the role of a ‘dynamic’ official such as a referee or umpire. 

SISSSOF101

Develop and update officiating knowledge

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1. Assess the game or competition environment and requirements.

1.1 Identify rules or regulations  appropriate for the relevant game, event or competition.

1.2 Check appropriate documentation prior to commencement of game or competition and confirm participant status.

1.3 Confirm that environment, facilities and equipment  meet game or competition requirements.

1.4 Confirm that risk analysis  has been completed prior to commencement of the game or competition according to organisational policies and procedures. 

2. Monitor the game or competition.

2.1 Maintain ongoing observation of the game or competition according to relevant legislation  and best practice principles .

2.2 Undertake observation with minimal disruption to the game or competition.

2.3 Make decisions  promptly within required timeframes and without influence of external sources .

2.4 Apply strategies to minimise hostility from spectators and others.

2.5 Respond to problems that arise during the game or competition without delay within limits of own role.

3. Interpret and apply rules and regulations.

3.1 Identify breaches of rules and regulations by participants and club officials and act accordingly.

3.2 Make and communicate decisions promptly within required timeframes and without influence of external sources.

3.3 Demonstrate firm, confident signals and movements and positive body language to convey an explanation of decisions.

3.4 Move appropriately to maintain optimal position to view play throughout the game.

3.5 Apply effective communication strategies  in interactions with players, coaches, spectators and other officials.

3.6 Manage the reactions  of participants to decisions according to organisational policies and procedures.

4. Deal with disputes.

4.1 Identify the causes of conflict .

4.2 Use accepted conflict resolution  techniques to manage conflict situation and develop solutions.

4.3 Explain techniques for conflict resolution to individuals involved and other relevant others  where appropriate.

4.4 Identify quickly situations where personal safety of relevant others may be threatened and organise appropriate assistance.

4.5 Resolve disputes  arising from the game or competition promptly.

4.6 Record outcomes of dispute according to organisational policies and procedures and competition regulations.

5. Certify and endorse results.

5.1 Document results clearly and accurately within prescribed time frames and according to game or competition rules and regulations.

5.2 Cross check results for verification prior to authorisation where required.

6. Review and modify outcomes.

6.1 Review activity in consultation with appropriate personnel.

6.2 Evaluate own performance using self-reflection methods  and identify potential improvements for future performances.

6.3 Make modifications where required in response to feedback  from support personnel and own self-reflection outcomes.

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• communication skills to:

• elicit and confirm information from participants before the game or competition
• clarify rules and regulations with appropriate personnel
• communicate decisions clearly and accurately
• interact with participants and team officials in a friendly and professional manner according to the sport’s accepted best practice principles
• resolve conflict
• seek feedback from appropriate personnel on the conduct of the game or competition

• language and literacy skills to:

• access and interpret information about the rules and regulations for the relevant game or competition
• complete documentation in relation to game or competition outcomes and results

• problem-solving skills to:

• respond appropriately to problems during or after the game or competition
• apply strategies to resolve disputes related to the conduct or outcome of the competition or game

• planning and organising skills to identify game or competition requirements and confirm these are met
• self-management skills to review and reflect on own work performance in effectively officiating games and competitions according to rules and regulations and expectations of participants.

Required knowledge 

• NSO codes, rules and guidelines including conditions of participation and documentation required for the relevant competition or game
• relevant legislation to enable safe conduct of the competition or game
• self-reflection principles to enable effective self-evaluation for future improvement
• officiating codes of practice and best practice principles to enable the game or competition to be officiated to the highest standard
• organisational risk management procedures to enable risks associated with games and competitions to be assessed and addressed
• conflict resolution strategies and procedures to enable disputes arising from the game or competition to be resolved fairly and to the satisfaction of those involved.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the ability to:

• use knowledge and interpretation of relevant rules, regulations and competition requirements to officiate according to NSO requirements and organisational policies and procedures
• apply effective negotiation and contingency management techniques to deal with problems or disputes that arise during or following the competition or game and makes adjustments in response to changing situations
• observe and monitors the progress of the competition or game and makes decisions objectively within required time frames
• use a range of communication strategies to work effectively with other officials and communicate with coaches, participants, officials and spectators
• seek feedback from stakeholders and evaluates and reflects on own work performance to identify ways in which the conduct of games and competitions can be improved.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure:

• the officiating of multiple games or competitions to demonstrate competence and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

• a sport-specific training or competition setting or environment
• participants, equipment and facilities and support personnel in a competition setting or environment
• current NSO rules and regulations and best practice principles for the relevant competitions or games
• ASC Officials Code of Behaviour.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• observation of officiating a competition or game with a range of participants, including making and communicating decisions
• observation of dealing with contingencies such as disputes during or after the competition or game
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of NSO rules and regulations for the relevant competition or game
• third-party reports from a supervisor detailing work performance.

Guidance information for assessment 

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

• sport-specific units of competency.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the individual, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Rules or regulations may include: 

• current relevant registration and accreditation
• age where applicable
• certification requirements
• membership
• standard of facilities and equipment
• NSO rules, regulations and guidelines
• local or competition specific rules and regulations
• safety rules such as blood rule.

Equipment  may include: 

• fixed pieces of apparatus
• individual equipment required to manage the competition
• personal protective or non-protective clothing or attire and equipment
• technical
• audiovisual
• safety.

Risk analysis may include: 

• risk identification
• risk assessment
• design of risk elimination or reduction plan
• implementation of the plan
• constant evaluation and modification of the plan.

Organisational policies and procedures may include: 

• work health and safety
• complaints
• conflict resolution
• reporting and record keeping
• communication protocols
• decision making processes.

Relevant legislation may include: 

• work health and safety
• child protection
• anti-discrimination
• duty of care.

Best practice principles may include: 

• the NSO Officials code of conduct
• the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Officials Code of Conduct
• NSO regulations and guidelines
• relevant national, state, territory or local government regulations and guidelines.

Decisions  may include: 

• incremental during an event or activity
• at completion.

External sources may include: 

• other facility users
• coaches
• spectators
• parents or guardians
• peers
• media.

Communication strategies may include: 

• active listening
• questioning techniques
• rephrasing and repeating questions, requests and statements to confirm that they have been correctly understood
• empathising with the player’s situation while upholding rules and regulations
• assertiveness
• non-verbal communication and recognition of non-verbal signs
• ability to speak clearly to be understood and use appropriate language, style and tone.

Reactions  may include: 

• queries about decisions
• appeals against decisions
• abuse towards official and opponent
• abuse of equipment.

Causes of conflict may include: 

• lack of information
• ineffective communication
• frustration
• provocation
• vilification
• sledging.

Conflict resolution  strategies may include: 

• identification
• avoidance
• problem solving
• use of appropriate communication skills
• negotiation.

Relevant others may include: 

• participants
• coaches
• administrators
• parents or guardians
• officials
• supporters.

Disputes  may include:

• disagreement with or questioning of decisions or results
• official protests
• appeals.

Self-reflection methods may include: 

• diary or journal
• mentoring
• strengths and weaknesses.

Feedback may include: 

• verbal
• written
• visual
• tactile.