I want to be an official, classifier or volunteer: how do I begin?
Officials, classifiers and volunteers are also crucial roles within the parasport system. Each role provides a wide variety of ways for people to support athletes at any level of sport, ranging from local events right up to elite international competitions.
The Role
Officials are the experts in the rules for a specific sport who supervise events to ensure a competition is
conducted fairly.
Training Required
Training could include taking a certification workshop, mentoring with an experienced official, completing a set number of
competitions or practice hours and an evaluation. To find out the specific training and certification requirements
for a specific sport, contact the corresponding National Sport Organization.
The Role
A classifier works as part of a team to assess an athlete's ability and assigns them to a sport class in order to ensure they are competing on a level playing field with their opponents. Classifiers can have a wide range of expertise, including medical knowledge (i.e. doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists) and sport specific or technical expertise (sport scientists, coaches, retired athletes, physical educators).
Training Required
Training could include taking a workshop, mentoring with an experienced classifier and completing a set number of practical hours. The specific training and certification requirements for classifiers are determined by the International Sport Federation and implemented by the corresponding National Sport Organizations.
The Role
In addition to coaching and officiating, there are many other roles that volunteers can play within the parasport community. Consider focusing on a position that suits your existing experience or interests. For example, people with financial or accounting skills are in high demand as Treasurers and Fundraisers. Personal Care Assistants or other frontline healthcare workers may find it enjoyable to be a Sports Assistant for an athlete with high-level needs. Or, try a role that's a complete departure from your day to day life. Either way, the needs are great and the rewards are rich.
Some examples of possible volunteer roles are:
- Club/Program volunteers (i.e. Team Manager, Equipment Manager, Driver, Sports Assistant for athletes, Tapper for swimmers with visual impairments etc.)
- Event volunteers (i.e. registration desk, scoring table, results, transportation, food, media relations etc.)
- Governance Volunteers (i.e. Treasurer, Fundraiser, Secretary etc.)
Parasport volunteer opportunities are not available in every community. If so, you could play a key role in getting a program started in your area!
Training Required
Many clubs and organizations offer training for volunteers to help increase your knowledge of the sport and the role you can play. Contact a local sport club or the corresponding National Sport Organization to learn more. The Canadian Paralympic Committee also has corporate volunteer oportunities - check out our employment/volunteer page today for opportunities near you!
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